I was recently invited to a program about replacing lawns–a very big deal in California because of the changing climate. The idea was very timely but the title of the program was horrifying; it was entitled “Brown is the New Green”. As a Master Gardener with a website, HotGardens.net, which is devoted to drought-tolerant gardens I would definitely argue against the idea that removing a water-guzzling green lawn should result in a brown front yard. In fact, removing the lawn should be just Step One. Step Two: the space should be replanted to prevent a ‘dust-bowl’ effect.
I also recommend against spreading a layer of rock mulch and calling it a ‘desert garden’. The truth is that rock mulch can heat up to 150 degrees (Fahrenheit) in direct summer sunlight and that will run your air conditioning bill through the roof.
It would be like setting your home down in the middle of a furnace. Some artificial grasses, which can be quite realistic looking, also heat up to close to 150 degrees.
Replanting is clearly the best choice and there are so many plants and styles of gardens that are ideal for the low-water-usage gardens. Here are a few examples from the Pasadena area. You can find more information about gardening in hot, dry climates on my website, Hot Gardens.net.
