Hi, I’m Larry Ornett, the founder of the SDWCP. I’ll be using this blog to keep you updated about the latest news in water conservation and my company, Grass Roots Landscaping. I did an interview with the staff of SDWCP and I thought it would make a good introduction.

Describe your background in landscaping. How long have you been working in San Diego?

Grass Roots Landscaping has been doing business in San Diego County for over 35 years. We are a bonded, licensed, landscape contractor and have workman’s compensation and liability insurance. We handle all phases of landscaping from design to implementation. Our services include design, irrigation, drainage, masonry, concrete, water features (excluding swimming pools), barbeque, lighting, soil preparation, plants, etc. We have handled jobs of all sizes and levels of complexity.

Have you received any special acknowledgements?

We have won best remodeled home in La Mesa and have been featured on Channel 8’s “Best backyards in San Diego County.” Our gardens have also been featured in the Mission Hills garden walk.

What is drip irrigation? What are the advantages of switching to drip irrigation?

Drip irrigation is a system that supplies each individual plant with a controlled amount of water applied directly to the root area. The drip system eliminates most of the evaporation and run-off that is typical with overhead spray systems. The current San Diego water restrictions on the amount of time allowed to water your garden do not apply to drip irrigation systems. DRIP IRRIGATION DOES NOT WORK WITH LAWNS.

Does your company offer any other solutions?

We offer other options for water conservation:

·   Mulching: replace ground covers with mulch or bark.

·   Inorganic ground cover, such as rock or decomposed granite.

·   Replacing your lawn with artificial grass.

·  Changing your garden design to native or drought tolerant plants. (A native or drought tolerant garden need not be sterile looking. The pallet of plants available can be planted to have color year round).

How does the current water shortage compare with other droughts San Diego has faced during your career in landscaping?

The water shortages in the past were short lived and didn’t affect the average home owner for longer than a summer or two. The current water shortage is projected to be long term, not only because of drought conditions but also because of restrictions on northern California water sources.  We expect that there will be more restrictions on landscape watering into the foreseeable future. Large, lush lawns in front of every house are becoming a thing of the past.