Los Angeles Resident Replaces Lawn with Drought-Tolerant Garden Amid Water Concerns
In Los Angeles' Cheviot Hills neighborhood, Julia Lee transformed her traditional lawn into a vibrant, drought-tolerant garden to address rising water costs and environmental concerns. Inspired by California's ongoing drought and wildfires, Lee replaced her water-intensive grass with native plants and wildflowers, creating a 'wabi-sabi' garden that embraces natural imperfection. Utilizing the LADWP Free Landscape Design Program and a turf replacement rebate, she received $5,310 to support the project. The garden now features a mix of colorful native plants, including sages, poppies, and milkweed, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Lee also installed a bioswale to manage rainwater runoff and added an irrigation system to ensure plant survival. The project has not only reduced her water bill but also fostered connections with neighbors and local wildlife. 
