This lawn conversion was an undeniable success from the perspective of water conservation, soil improvements, wildly increased curb appeal, and a very happy client. 

After many years of cultivated monoculture that is our traditional lawn, I have learned that new planting, even climate appropriate low water choices, won’t produce healthy long term results. Having just requalified with ReScape Program, we put to use their practices which advance a whole systems approach to earthscaping that works in harmony with the natural environment. 

Read more about the terrific program here: https://www.rescapeca.org/eight-principles

Every bit as important as planting design was site preparation—we sheet mulched the old lawn, which had become essentially a biological desert atop dead soil. Sheet mulching is an effective method of smothering existing lawn and reinoculating the soil with living compost, which improves soil health, minimizes evaporation, and increases carbon sequestration. In this way we do our part to participate in climate mitigation and adaptation.