Rainwater Harvesting Front Yard
Converting grass and ice plant to climate appropriate plantings in Tierrasanta
Drought Tolerant Front Yard
Our clients have spent 14 years looking at a semi-converted front yard with ice plant and weeds. Being eco-minded, they also were open to our suggestions of sending roof water into the landscape. Now, their front yard is an attractive layout that increases curb appeal and they consistently get compliments from passersby.
Project Description
We removed a steep slope of ice plant and replaced it with Yucca brevifolia, Dymondia margaretae and various other plants. We also routed roof downspouts to drain into the upper portion of the front yard and soak into a mulched basin to extend the rainy season and keep our waterways clean.
Project Details
Location Tierrasanta, San Diego, CA
Date Completed 2016
Features Rainwater harvesting to mulch basin, stone steps acting as spillway, Dymondia ground cover, and drought tolerant plants
Budget $$$
Nine-months later the Dymondia has mostly covered the slope.
Using Silver Carpet Ground Cover
Ice plant (Delosperma spp.) is a low water use ground cover, but on steep slopes, it’s shallow root profile does little to knit the ground together and also can allow invasive plants to grow between it. Silver Carpet (Dymondia margaretae)—once established—forms a relatively dense mat and deeper root structure to help hold soil and protect it from the erosive effects of rain.
Harvesting the Rain
Rainwater is harvested off part of the homeowner’s roof and leads to a mulched depression (basin). Once that fills to capacity, the water gently trickles and flows down the reinforced rock spillway (which also was built as stair steps for easy access). The water then slowly flows down the rock mulch dry creek bed with hidden depressions underneath for further soaking potential.
