courtesy of Istock Photo

Castaic Lake Water Agency Hosts Gardening Classes
April is a Garden Month, a time that encourages planting, growing and spending time creating a beautiful, healthy and productive environment. Gardening and growing plants is good for you, encouraging relaxation, cooperation and a sense of achievement.

Join the Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA) at its first SCV Gardening Class of the month on Saturday, April 9 from 9am to 12pm to learn all about drip irrigation. You'll learn how to install a drip system, convert your existing system to drip and how to troubleshoot any irrigation issues. This is the time of year to fine tune your irrigation system so it's in top shape for the hot summer months.

CLWA's second gardening class will be held Thursday, April 14 from 6:30 to 8:30pm and focuses on designing sustainable landscapes. This is a class you won't want to miss! It will get you thinking about your design and will also provide you with a checklist of steps to take to plan for your future landscape. Beautiful landscapes are attainable and they all start with a good design and plan.
All SCV Gardening Classes are held at the Castaic Lake Water Agency, located at 27234 Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. Call to register. 513-1230

Choose Luxurious Living Surroundings
There are backyards - and then there are transcendental outdoor living spaces. If you covet the latter, this is the time to partner with a passionate environmental design expert and ignite your inner visionary. Curate an artistic expression of nature with sophisticated design that coordinates beautifully with your tastes, desires and the architecture of your home. Discerning homeowners understand that elements like a rustic stone fireplace does more than just keep guests warm; the dancing flames can mesmerize when positioned perfectly among the elements. Dramatic recirculating water features; gorgeously-hued stamped concrete and an expansive, luxurious outdoor kitchen can inspire a deep pride of ownership. Flawlessly designed inspirational spaces do not happen by accident. Superior design is the result of artistry and decades - in the case of BSH, nearly three - of experience. BSH, the creator of this space, was featured in Lux Magazine!
BSH Landscape & Hardscape Design 287-9568

Add a Splash of Fun to your Space
The old adage, "Your kids are only young once," is true - except that we like to think that we've never grown up! With that in mind, let us humbly suggest that your next big home improvement be a pool complete with all the fun bells and whistles. From slides to rock grottos, diving boards to little-one-friendly zero-entry pool design, you'll feel 10 again. Here's the deal: Water in movement turns a static pool into an interactive experience that can mask outside nose so that you feel entirely secluded. Whether you choose natural shades and elements or you want a pool that pops, consider choosing a contractor with years of experience in making clients' backyard dreams come true. Thomas Pools recently opened their new pool and spa design and supply store in Castaic on the Old Road. Stop in for inspiration and supplies. Thomas Pools 810-2333

Blend Fire & Wine for a Distinctive Gathering Place
Fire pits fashioned from retired wine barrels are all the rage with wine enthusiasts everywhere. The Enthusiast Barrel Fire Pit Top offers authentic seals from wineries all over the world. Whether you prefer an oaky California Chardonnay or a fruity Sangiovese from Italy, wine lovers alike now have the perfect place to enjoy their favorite glass of vino while keeping warm and cozy year round. Oasis Garden & Patio carries an assortment of these one-of-a-kind firepits ranging from chat height to bar height to fit everyone's needs. Pair the fire pit with club chairs, dining chairs or bar stools and you will be ready to pop the cork this weekend with Oasis's free assembly and delivery offered to SCV residents. Oasis Garden & Patio 255-9909

Let the Cool Air In with Smart Screens that Disappear Out of Sight
The Phantom Screen door provides the utility of a conventional screen with none of the unsightly results. It is there when you need it, and invisible when you don't. No other door screen is as stylish, versatile and functional. Retractable, disappearing screen doors operate on a similar principal to spring-loaded pull-down blinds, except they pull across. Screens have flexible mesh that rolls up and can be custom fit for almost any opening. When the Phantom Screen is not in use, it retracts into its protective housing and blends into the decor of its surroundings. For projects requiring customized color matching, Phantom Screens offers custom color powder-coated finishes to blend screening solutions with interior and exterior color schemes. Color matching is also available to further customize a project. Custom color options are available for an additional cost with the purchase of any Phantom Screen solution.
Phantom Screens of Southern California 799-9226

Create a Water-friendly Escape that's Kind to the Senses
We're still waiting for the El Nino that we were "promised," and during this wait, we've seen our state's snowpack drop and more news articles about how California's drought problem will continue through 2016 and beyond. This discouraging news should serve as an instigator; it's time to be proactive! It's easy when you work with a professional water-wise landscaping expert. Here are a few places to start.

Get rid of the grass. Yes, you can go for faux, but it's pricy and difficult to get a truly-natural look. A better option is to replace your grass with a mixture of hardscape, water-permeable ground cover and drought-resistant plants. You'll get the bonus of increased space for relaxing and entertaining while helping renew groundwater supplies when it does rain.

Choose SCV-smart plants and trees. Colorful grasses can add texture and color to your space while sipping water. Another smart addition: trees. Yes, they require a little extra water to establish roots but once they get growing they're quite conservative. Plus, they'll keep your yard cooler, cutting down on evaporation. Trending right now: fruit trees. They look lush, plus they provide fresh, organic fruit! Beautiful options that do very well in the SCV are lemon, apple, stone fruits and pomegranates. You'll spend very little on a tree that could produce as early as next year!

Stop using those sprinklers. It's time for driplines. Evaporation drops significantly; you only water where you need to; maintenance is significantly less expensive than sprinklers and you'll save a ton of water.
NV Landscape, Inc. 286-8888


Pick a Pool that's an Investment in your Quality of Life
There are pools - and then there are glimmering expanses of water that beckon you to sink into its confines to relax and rejuvenate your soul. Cultivate a spa experience outdoors with refined tiles, modern lines and a refreshing ocean-inspired palate. Your pool is not just an investment in your home - it's an investment in your quality of life, so don't skimp on elements that speak to your sense of aesthetics and comfort. California Pools & Spas offers weekly pool service and repair to ensure that your sparkling oasis stays that way for a lifetime of enjoyment.
California Pools & Spas 702-8500


Don't Miss! Saturday | March 26
Green Thumb's 46th Anniversary Spring Opening
From 9am to 5pm, take advantage of hourly drawings, refreshments, vendor demos and more, including hand-tool
sharpening from Accurate Edge from 9am to 1pm and a Garden Design Seminar from 9:30am to 11am.
Green Thumb is open daily for all your garden needs. 259-1072