Makeover

Makeover Sponsors In 2004, Sonoma County Water Agency, the North Coast Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association and Friedman's Home Improvement partnered to offer one lucky homeowner a landscape makeover. Friedman's Home Improvement logo

California Landscape Contractors Association, North Coast Chapter

Gerald Sealund of Rohnert Park was our winner. In June and July 2005, we replaced his water-thirsty landscape, which was almost entirely turf, with a lovely, water-saving mix of walkways, native plants, lighting, efficient irrigation and decorative items. Watch us use the basic steps of water-wise landscaping to help him save water, money, and time!

Together, the homeowner and the landscape architect designed the new landscape, paying attention to the desired uses, plant selection, plant grouping and irrigation, hardscape and other decorative elements.

Day 1 - We remove all the thirsty turf

Makeover fact By removing his turf and installing low-water use plants, and by using proper plant grouping and watering techniques, our homeowner will save about 75,000 gallons of water each year!

We used a turf cutter, bobcat and elbow grease to remove about 2,200 square feet of turf. Because the soil in Rohnert Park is adobe and was still very wet from spring rains, we spread gypsum to help the soil dry and let it sit for a week or so.

Day 2 - We install the pavers to make a patio and a water feature, and cut trenches for the irrigation and electrical

Makeover fact: The unseasonable rains meant that we had to be extra careful to cover our piles of sand and compost with tarps (above). Anything that runs into the street and goes down the storm drain flows, untreated, directly to our local creeks and rivers!

The prep work is very important to the long-lasting success of the project. If your soil isn't properly prepared, your plants have less of a chance to thrive. And proper irrigation settings mean no pooling, no dry spots, and no overwatering!

A trencher makes easy work of preparing troughs in which to lay the irrigation pipe. You can get a trencher at nearly any equipment rental business.

We installed a new backflow preventer and shutoff valve in the irrigation pipe just outside the outer wall of the residence. A backflow preventer is important for protecting the water quality inside the home.

After laying a form and preparing the space with a roller and a crushed rock base, we installed a new patio and curved walkway that will accent the small, bubbly water feature.

To help amend the adobe soil, we rototilled a layer of compost into the top 6" of the entire site. The compost helps to improve the water absorption, another water-saving measure!

Day 3 - Preparing the soil and placing the landscape boulders

The framework of the landscape is coming together as we finished all the paver work, placed the large landscape boulders and finished assemblying the two arbors that will accent the water feature.

The amended and tilled soil is dark and lightly clumps when you squeeze a handful.

The paved patio offers an attractive walkway to the front door, provides a pleasing visual "frame" for several plants that will fill the center rectangle, and reduces the square feet of landscaping that needs watering.

Landscape boulders add visual interest and depth, and a nice contrast to the soft foilage of the landscape. When placing boulders, they should be sunk into the ground a few inches for stability and a natural look.

The pavers surrounding the planned water feature (a bubbling fountain) will enable the homeowner to enjoy the fountain from any angle, and provide a stable surface for a bench or chair.

Day 4 - Placing and installing the plants, irrigation and mulch

Plant layout is where you get to fine-tune the planting design. We placed the plants with their "best" side showing, turning each shrub to take advantage of its more attractive side.

Planting day is the icing on the cake, when the landscape work begins to resemble a garden. Take care when lifting the plants out of their container to treat the root ball gently and ensure it does not dry out.

Laying out the irrigation lines is not as hard as it seems. We unrolled the irrigation line to its full length to get out the twists, and then began to snake the line through the planted areas.

Don't forget to include potted plants in the irrigation system. Potted plants can dry out more quickly than in-ground plants.

Day 5 - The Water Wisely Landscape Makeover is complete!

After laying down wood-bark mulch to help the soil maintain its moisture, the water-wise garden is complete. The winner of the Water Wisely Makeover Contest will now save water, money, and time with this beautiful new landscape.