Sustainability

Water Conservation

The Lee’s decreased the lawn square footage dramatically over the years. All of their plants have individual dripping heads with different water emitting capacity.  With the worst drought of 2014, here are things they tried so far.

1. Minimize annuals and vegetables that require watering everyday.
2. Save the cold water when shower is turned on.
3. Add mulch.
4. Don’t water trees.
5. Water deeper but less frequently.
6. Change from bubbler dripping heads to 1.0 GPH spot watering emitters.
7. Check the dripping system on a regular base for damages and changes in water pressure.

 

Organic Gardening

Their gardening shed used to have bottles of synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.  However, they drastically reduced the use of chemicals due to health concerns (the dog eats fertilizer and soil, for example).  They also fertilize and water at minimum because fast growing plants can get tender and be susceptible to insect attacks and diseases.  Roses may be the hardest plant to be 100% organic.  They attract all kinds of insects and diseases.  Instead of using chemicals, Tomoko patrols her rose garden, squash aphids and prune black spotted leaves.  Yes, it is time consuming and expensive to be organic.