courtesy of Shutterstock

Getting Ready for
Fall Weather
If weather predictions are correct, drought-dry Southern California should get prepared for a very wet and stormy El Nino winter. What does this mean for homeowners hoping to improve their landscape this fall?

First, remember that proper grading and drainage are essential, though not flashy, elements to any quality design. Poorly-positioned drains could cause your garage and house to flood when the weather gets nasty and bad grading jobs could create a mini-mudslide in your own backyard.

Second, remember that a lot of rain during one season doesn't mean we're out of the drought. As weather patterns become more extreme, we're going to be seeing more very dry (And, less often, very wet.) years. No matter whether or not we have a wet winter, though, drought-friendly plants and design are always going to be the best idea for Southern California homeowners.

Third, remember that the sooner you prep your plantings, the sooner that they'll look lush and established. If you're hoping to host a holiday gathering this year in your yard, don't wait to get your garden growing now so that it looks its loveliest come Thanksgiving.
NV Landscape 286-8888

Install Retractable Door Screens
for Year-round Comfort
Legacy retractable door screens remain out of sight until you need them, providing better control and smooth operation. Legacy by Phantom Screens is the only retractable door screen with an integrated Latch & Release handle making it easy to use, quiet to operate and secure from unintended openings. Legacy provides superior insect protection and enhanced natural ventilation for your home while maintaining your view and decor. Legacy fits all door types including in-swing, out-swing, single, double and patio slider doors. The wide range of color and finish choices allow Legacy to blend seamlessly with your doorways while improving indoor air quality, enhancing home functionality and reducing cooling costs.
Phantom Screens of Southern California 800-665-8200

courtesy of Shutterstock

Get Up to $5,000 to Remove your Grass
with the Lawn Replacement Program
Did you know the average homeowner spends more than an hour a day taking care of their lawn and garden? That precious time could be spent doing other things.

Many SCV residents are taking that next step to ditch the lawn and replace it with beautiful drought tolerant and low-maintenance alternatives. Grass has water needs that are twice that of any other plant you'll see in a Santa Clarita landscape, so removing your lawn and replacing it with any other plant will save water.

Castaic Lake Water Agency is now offering a $2-per-square-foot incentive for lawn removal at your home! The Lawn Replacement Program's goal is to reduce outdoor water use by removing water-thirsty lawns and encourage new water-efficient landscape options to maintain an aesthetically-pleasing sustainable property.

Program Facts
• $2 per-square-foot incentive for residential lawn removal
• Projects must be between 500 and 2,500 square feet of living grass to be removed
• Up to $5,000 per property available
• Save water and update your landscaping

But do not kill or remove your grass yet! Each customer must meet the Design Guidelines criteria and apply to qualify for the program before starting the landscape retrofit.
Castaic Lake Water Agency www.lawnreplacement.clwa.org

Smart September Garden To-do's
Plant trees, shrubs and evergreens now. Fall is an excellent time to finish any landscape projects that were put off because of the heat.
Control creeping Charlie, dandelions and other broadleaf weeds in your lawn with Bonide Weed Beater.

Feed your lawn with Green Thumb Turf Food. This organic based, slow release fertilizer will perk up your tired lawn.

Resist the urge to trim azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs, forsythias and other early spring blooming shrubs. They have already set their flower buds for next year's bloom.

Bring in houseplants before they start getting used to the cold weather.

Fall is a good time to improve the soil in your vegetable garden. Use Bumper Crop to increase the organic matter for luscious, rich soil.
Winter pansies, flowering kale, cabbage and fall mums may be planted now to give a little color to the garden when summer flowers have faded away.

Get ready for the Patio Clearance Sale. Save up to 40 percent off marked prices and save up to 50 percent off marked prices on selected accessories and gift items. The sale begins on Friday, September 4.
Green Thumb International 259-1072