Landscape Issues: Some of the important aspects of landscape and garden development. The Importance of Soil and Mulch Soil quality and soil chemistry are large factors in a plants' ability to prosper and grow strongly. With soil testing and amending we can improve its capabilities to support strong plants more resistant to drought and disease. Using an inert layer of wood fiber mulch 2-3 inches deep on top of the soil we can reduce water loss or heat gain and discourage weed growth, which also reduces the need for cultivation. 'California Friendly Plants' [Our friends indeed] These are drought-tolerant plants mostly drawn from the Mediterranean and similar climates in parts of Australia, South Africa and South America. They include many varieties you are already familiar with such as Dietes or Society Garlic as well as California Natives like Ceanothus [California Lilac], and even succulents like Aloe and Echeveria from South Africa. Efficient Irrigation [With no, or minimal, runoff] We are mandated to use water wisely and efficiently. In recent years drip irrigation has been very successful in applying irrigation water more effectively without waste. Currently a new small radius sprinkler stream spray nozzle has been developed to much improve efficiency if an overhead system has to be used. The MP Rotator stream spray system is especially effective in watering plants on banks or slopes. What is your ET? [Evapotranspiration rate] Water evaporating from a plant or soil surface is called evaporation. Water vaporizing in plant leaves and diffusing through leaf pores to the ambient air is called transpiration. [ET] Evapotranspiration is the sum of evaporation[E] and transpiration[T]. It is measured in inches of water. A new generation of irrigation controller has been introduced which correlate weather station data, ET rates and plant requirements for irrigation synchronization; like the new Weathermatic Smartline® series. ET controllers in communication with a weather station continuously adjust the irrigation program according to local weather factors.