Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1011587
A s California experiences its sixth year of drought, with little to no rainfall last season, many people seem to think that the drought is over. Even though the state of California has lifted the required water rationing, it is still of utmost importance that we consider ways to preserve this precious resource. "I had to fi re my gardener.…" The other day, when talking to my neighbor Marcie, I learned that she had fi red her gardener. With so little rain this year, her water bill was way too high. Marcie had to cut expenses, so the gardener had to go. As a result, her perfect- ly manicured green lawn was dying. Losing her lovely lawn upset Marcie very much. Being a New Yorker transplanted in California, Marcie told me she just has to see some green lawn. I suggested getting native grass seed and planting a nice California lawn. A native lawn would be more drought tolerant than the con- ventional turf she had. Our native grass is a softer, more mead- ow-like grass. It would stay green without a big water bill and you wouldn't need chemicals, so you could feel better about letting your dog run around on it, too. Marcie was delighted! What is Lasagna Gardening? When removing a lawn, you will have to decide which grass removal method will work best for you. Do you want to hire a contractor or do it yourself? The method I like is "Sheet Composting," also called "Lasagna Gardening." La- sagna Gardening uses layers of cardboard, newspapers, compost, peat moss, and/or grass clippings. It is less labor intensive than digging or tilling, and you can do it yourself without hiring a contractor or using any chemicals. Sim- ply put down a layer of cardboard, cover with a layer of dirt, then newspapers or grass clippings, and repeat! You end up with a garden that is well-composted and ready to plant. Lasagna gardening is an easy way to eliminate parts of your lawn and reclaim the land for growing more drought-tolerant native plants instead. Lasagna gardening makes it easy to wid- en existing fl ower beds, or to create new fl ower beds right in the middle of your existing lawn. Plant for Birds and Pollinators What to do with your new garden space? You may want to use your newly reclaimed soil to start a vegetable garden. You Is Lasagna Gardening Right for you? CARDBOARD, NEWSPAPERS, AND DIRT city of angels By Kathy Vilim 8 wholelifetimes.com