At first glance the eclectic cottage garden doesn’t look like it could also be a ‘Smart Garden’, but don’t let the recycled elements fool you. Alford’s English Gardens helped the owner of this charming East Long Beach home made simple changes in the garden to reduce water usage and improve on water consumption.

By removing 50% of the lawn area, we were able to add some fun elements to the garden. Decomposed granite replaced the sod area around the Liquid Amber Tree and suddenly it became a focal point! Reused cement with ground cover was added to create a new porch. The parkway sod was removed and became a display area for the client’s garden treasures. Old roses were reused along with new plantings such as lavenders and salvias in the garden. New irrigation was added though out the garden, MP rotators for the sod area and a low volume drip for the rest.

This charming cottage in Long Beach touts more than just cute…

Water wise plants were chosen for the planter beds so the client can cut back on water wasting annuals.

A low water drip system was added to this old part of the garden. Mexican sage was added under the old Wisteria tree to lessen the need for annual color.

The sod area was removed and decomposed granite (DG) was added. With a new tree bench around the Liquid Amber- this part of the garden suddenly became a focal point!

Recycled cement was reclaimed and used as a new porch; Ground cover on a drip system waters the garden. After the ground cover is established water can be turned off in this shady area.