[Darcy]

It is difficult to get contractors to think beyond sprays, bubblers and rotors. We’ve had excellent results with sub-drip systems…not the spaghetti-tube stuff. We do require that the contractors are qualified to install the sub-drip (Netafim or Toro). The reps are happy to assist with installations if you’ve got a first time installer. It’s a win/win for them. We also have access to recylced water in San Diego County and Carlsbad will be moving forward with a desalination plant, as will Camp Pendleton (at least last time I heard anything about it). Historically, irrigation in Cali has been a relatively ‘cheap’ commodity. However, with the population growth and several years of a drought cycle, we need to educate people that water is a limited resource and it needs to be distributed in a way that makes sense…both economically and ethically. Even changing some of the city requirements that were written back in the 70’s (I’m guessing) when we didn’t have the population we do now need to be reexamined and modified to deal with today’s constraints…

[Darcy]

It’s been awhile since I took my test and I believe they have changed the format some since then (1991). What exactly is covered in Section D? I’ll be happy to help if I have anything that pertains to that section.

[Darcy]

I grew up on a farm in the Midwest that was, at one time, nothing but prairie grass and buffalo. However, we grew corn, oats, hay and cattle…not exactly a ‘native’ ecosystem but my father believed in being a good steward of the land and was responsible in crop rotations and not overgrazing the pastures. I know the devastation that these farmers must be going through so, yes, this is a matter of principle. If it’s a matter of producing food for human consumption vs. having a green landscape, I’ll take the human sustenance over aesthetics. Farming the land is their livelihood, without water for their crops, what do they have? NOTHING but dead trees and vines. Some of these farms have been in existence for generations…They can’t just pick up and move to some other location. This is their life. I received my LA degree from the University of Arizona…there are ways to create landscapes with minimal water that can be just as beautiful than more water intensive designs. Not all crops can be grown in all locations. Each crop has certain requirements, soil, sun, temperature, etc. which is why you don’t see grapes grown for raisins or orchards of fruit and nut trees growing along the east coast. OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now…Hope the ReWater info will be helpful to you.

[Darcy]

There is a company that manufactures a recycled water irrigation system for the homeowner. The company name is “ReWater,” based out of San Diego. I believe the cost for an avg. sized California lot is around $7500. This system collects the gray water from the house, then filters, stores and distributes it to the landscape via a sub-drip irrigation system. This may be the best alternative. BTW, I think it is unethical to deny the farmers of Central CA water for their crops. This state needs to get their act together! Hope this helps.

[Darcy]

This is an oldie but goodie…Napolean Hills “Think and Grow Rich” It gets into your mindset of what you want and what it takes to get it.

[Darcy]

Good for you to go on for an MBA. I agree…the business end of our education in landscape architecture is sadly lacking. However, I think you can say that about many degrees, unless you are getting a business degree. We are taught how to become landscape architects, not business people. That is something you learn ‘on the job’ or through taking business courses or seminars. It is important for students coming out of school to understand that you need to complete a project in a given amount of time and that you can’t spend unlimited hours thinking about and designing a project…it doesn’t work that way in the real world! Time IS money.

[Darcy]

I don’t know that you would need to go to the expence of getting certified…certainly knowing AutoCAD will be to your advantage. I’d suggest beginning with a couple of classes in it at a local community college to get comfortable working with the program. You’ll learn a lot just by using it.
Good Luck!
Darcy

[Darcy]

Kevin,

This is a service I have always offered to my clients and they find very helpful in determining if they are able to go forward with the design. I think you’re on the right track in using the numbers you get from contractors…that’s what I do, as well. I make up an Excel spreadsheet with the units and cost per unit which makes it pretty easy to plug in the numbers.
There is also the “Means Site Work and Landscape Cost Data” book…maybe even software…which has unit costs for everything along with regional adjustments for work. It can be a bit combersome but a good source to double check the prices you have from the contractors.
Good luck!
Darcy

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