Little Pond
(La Mesa)
This home's front and back yard landscaping includes approximately 90% native plantings, watered by rainwater collected in four cement containers totaling 1,000 gallons and three plastic totes totaling another 1,000 gallons. In an effort to create a native plant garden that mimics local natural spaces and encourage pollinators and other wildlife, these homeowners converted a pool to a pond, which now attracts many birds, bats, dragonflies and other animals. It provides a water source for drinking, bathing and breeding and is a safe haven for many species. They irrigate plants with recycled shower water and therefore use little to no municipal water for irrigation. They also have a solar array, and run close to net zero energy every month. (Tour includes exterior spaces only.)
Photo Credit: