Replace your Lawn!

Join us in a series of workshops at Tree of Life Nursery as we discuss the basics of converting your ecologically taxing and expensive lawn into a beautiful, carefree, sustainable habitat.  We are offering these classes at three different times – during the months of February and March. 

All of these classes are FREE of charge and each session lasts about an hour and a half, (depending on questions!).  Hopefully you will be able to attend each of the sessions at least once.  No reservations are required.

Replace Your Lawn I: Kill Your Grass!
Step one – get rid of it!  This may be more involved than you would expect and the methods to get rid of a lawn are quite varied.  You must identify the type of turf you have, research methods for removal, and then select the method appropriate for the season, your grass type, your work schedule and your budget.  The future success of your new planting will depend on your successful removal of the existing turf.

Replace Your Lawn II: Design Elements
Now that you have removed, or at least reduced the size of your lawn, it’s time to plant – right?  Not necessarily.  A thoughtful design will save you time, money, and effort.  Come learn how to choose a theme, recreate a natural plant community and apply sustainable design principles to your landscape.  Following a plan for your garden will help you achieve the attractive look you want for your new native garden.

Third Saturday February and March : 9:30 AM
February 21 – Guest Speaker: Orchid Black, Landscape Designer
March 21 – Guest Speaker: Pat Overby, Landscape Designer

Replace Your Lawn III: Plant Selection – Thirty Native Plants
After you have determined the look and feel you wish to achieve in your garden, the fun begins – plant selection!  We will present a group of plants we call our Thirty Plants.  These are the “must-haves” for any native California garden.  This selection of thirty plants represents a handsome mix of the most authentic native plants for Southern California gardens.  As we discuss the Thirty Plants, we will expand our knowledge of natives in general, and learn how to chose the right plants for any particular design theme.

Fourth Saturday of February and March: 9:30 AM – February 28 and March 28, 2009

Please see our Event Calendar for other special events and even some community events related to native plants.