Magnificent Montecito Mediterranean home, drought tolerant landscape design with central fountain and gravel courtyard surrounded by plantings of ancient Olive trees, Italian cypress, bay laurel, lavender, rosemary, sage and wisteria
Lawns and sustainability
Sustainability is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, which begs the question “What is sustainability?”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines sustainability as “The quality of causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time”.
With that in mind, let’s ask ourselves, “Are large expanses of lawn sustainable in California?”. I’m not trying to turn this column into a dissertation on sustainability or on the evils of massive lawns. Yes, we had lots of rain this winter and technically, we are out of drought in Santa Barbara County. However, when looking at the long term, lawns don’t make sense.
Montecito estate features a massive lawn installed back in the day when it used to rain! Beautiful, but unfortunately no longer an option for Montecito
Our love of expansive lawns
We have all been seduced by images of expansive lawns in the British Isles and on the East coast, classic, beautiful, elegant to be sure. But are they sustainable in the West and specifically in Montecito and Santa Barbara? I don’t think so (no, not even if you have a well). But you already know this. For the history of lawns in America, read my post.
Fountains are an essential part of Mediterranean landscape design. This vintage fountain is the perfect focal point in this formal Montecito garden design with boxwood hedges, gravel paths, espalier fig and pear trees, wisteria, herbs and roses.
Rather than focusing on what we can’t have, I’d rather put attention on what we can have; beautiful, luxurious gardens without lawns.
Mediterranean gardens
This style of landscape thrives here. The Mediterranean climate has dry, warm summers and mild winters with low rainfall. It’s no surprise that Santa Barbara is nicknamed “The American Riviera”and our architectural style reflects that.
Before photo of Montecito Mediterranean
Before and after photos of Montecito Mediterranean landscape design. The lawn had been allowed to die due to water shortages in Santa Barbara County
Mediterranean Plants
The Mediterranean plants can be used with any style of home. Include all the elements of sustainability: permeable gravel courtyards, stone walkways, patios and walls, drought tolerant plants; olive trees, oak trees, rosemary, sages, cypress, bougainvillea, lavender and citrus.
Walled garden with gravel paths, boxwood hedges, potted citrus, stone bench is classic Mediterranean landscape design
Walled Gardens
Walled gardens are a classic Mediterranean design element and can include anything you can think of; gravel paths, benches, ponds, boxwood hedges, roses, fountains and trees in containers.
Montecito Mediterranean landscape design with drought tolerant plantings of Italian cypress, blue spire sage, artemisia, lavender, rosemary and lavender
Think beyond lawns
When lawns are out of the picture, more creativity is demanded, but that is the fun! The options are practically endless.
Rather than thinking in terms of lawn substitutes, think in terms of entirely new design of the space.
Are you thinking of moving beyond lawn and not sure what to do next?
Schedule a Free Home Garden Consultation Today, we’d love to help and we love a challenge.
Until next time, fill your garden with joy!