Ethington Garden | San Clemente

$1500 Grand Prize, Certificate & Engraved Garden Stone

Why is your front landscape California Friendly?:

Our home, located near the top of a ridge, less than a mile from the ocean is on a split-level site with a steep bank/slope in front. We enjoy the coastal influence and frequent cool ocean breezes. We removed a lawn and an ivy/juniper bank and replanted with CA natives selected for their dryness in a coastal environment that benefit pollinators and wildlife. We selected and installed the plants between July 2016 and December 2017. We incorporated a roof gutter fed dry-well with overflow in the site drainage. This temporarily captures dew and rain from the porch roof in a 2′ x 3′ reserve, deepening the water table accessible for nearby natives. It also helps to filter pollutants and reduce water entering storm drains. We irrigate by hand, every 3 or 4 weeks depending on season or rain events. The front slope is planted with erosion control natives appropriate for dry coastal environments and is mulched. The upper patio near the porch and house includes native dry/semi-dry part-shade woodland plantings; the patio perimeter is anchored by two Manzanita trees and perennials that give structure and pollinator benefit to the patio area.

Judges Comments:

The Ethington’s garden is beautiful, but it is more than a beautiful garden, it is an environmentally correct garden. The first thing a visitor might notice is the flurry of life in the garden, pollinators, butterflies, birds, honeybees and insects are everywhere. The garden is incredibly water and resource efficient, which surely is foremost on people minds. Additionally, it limits run-off by returning rainwater to the soil, does not pollute and generates little green waste.

The garden is an extraordinary example of a low-water, climate-appropriate and wildlife friendly garden. Gardens like this, especially when combined with other California Friendly gardens in a community, increase biodiversity and support an improved urban ecology. People need to see that a California Friendly garden looks beautiful, is easy to maintain and features a wide selection of dazzling plants. These gardens use about half as much water as a typical garden. But most people that see these gardens aren’t even aware of their water use. They are just beautiful gardens.

Given the current importance of conserving our natural resources and the need for more habitat, this is an opportune time to be promoting California Friendly practices. The California Friendly Garden Contest is open to all residents of Orange County with a front garden that has been established at least one month.

More comment from the Ethington’s:

We entered the contest in 2008 and won the “Best DIY” category with our former home in San Clemente. We had only a little experience with CA natives at the time. Our CA Friendly gardening experience has evolved over the years. When we remodeled our current home, we chose to have a clean start in the landscape and replanted with nearly all natives while incorporating ocean/California Friendly design practices. We wanted to again participate with the hope we help inspire others to consider planting water-wise CA natives that benefit pollinators and wildlife.

We removed a lawn and an ivy/juniper bank and replanted with CA natives selected for their dryness in a coastal environment that benefit pollinators and wildlife. We incorporated a roof gutter fed dry-well with overflow in the site drainage. This temporarily captures dew and rain from the porch roof in a 2′ x 3′ reserve, deepening the water table accessible for nearby natives. It also helps to filter pollutants and reduce water entering storm drains. We irrigate by hand, every 3 or 4 weeks depending on season or rain events.
 
 
 
 

Hodge Garden | Seal Beach

$350 Prize & Certificate

Why is your front garden California Friendly?:

Our landscape is low water, low waste, low maintenance and friendly to local wildlife. The irrigation is a highly efficient drip system which only runs in the warm months. The run-off from our property flows through a drain which deposits it’s water in the rock area for ground absorption. This thick layer of rock mulch also eliminates evaporation and protects the soil. We don’t have to replenish it often and can use that time enjoying the plants, butterflies and birds that come to visit.
 
 
 
 

Tran Garden | Huntington Beach

$350 Prize & Certificate

Why is your front garden California Friendly?:

My front, as well as back yard incoporate plants that requires minimal watering and are native to my area. I used a drip watering system and try to purchase plants that are tough, resilient drought tolerant. The current plants yield a wide selection of flowers for a continuous bloom through the seasons. I recycle yard trimmings and kitchen plant-based scraps (organic matter) as compose for the plants. There is always a 2 inch layer of mulch on top of the soil at all times to reduce the need of concentrated fertilizer.

In terms of design, my landscapes does not have a traditional/manicured look. I permit and encourage the plants to be a little overgrown and disorderly. I definitely do not use gas-powered machinery to maintain it.
 
 
 
 

Orland Garden | Brea

$350 Prize & Certificate

Why is your front garden California Friendly?:

Use of drought tolerant plants, wood chips, flagstone, rocks & boulders.
 
 
 
 

Simpson Garden | Huntington Beach

$350 Prize & Certificate

Why is your front garden California Friendly?:

I removed all lawn and palm trees and wanted a garden to attract bees, butterflies and birds. It was important to have a perennial garden with ever changing color throughout the year. It was also extremely important to have water-wise plantings and a water system which promoted conservation. The programmable water system I used has wireless weather sensing and utilizes Toro bubblers and smart sprinklers and valves, There is no wasted run-off and I have been very happy with the results.
 

View 2019 Cal Friendly Contest Winners ● View 2017 Cal Friendly Contest Winners