Thursday, Oct. 24th 8:00 - 9:30 AM
by Greg Rubin
Seminar Price: $60
CEUs: APLD, IA, NALP, PGMS, QWEL
Room: TBD
Far from being "fire bombs" a native landscape might actually contribute to fire safety around your home - it's all in the approach. A number of Greg Rubin's native landscapes have been involved in major fire events in San Diego county, without the loss of a single home, despite the sad loss of neighboring homes in many cases. It appears that a few basic considerations may actually help a native landscape become quite fire resistant. Greg will explore the factors that encourage successful, fire resistant native landscapes, including design, irrigation, and maintenance, and will share actual case histories from great fire events in San Diego county.
Discussion also includes proper thinning techniques for existing chaparral. Greg will examine ways to deal with the aftermath of fire, like erosion and weed control, and whether "restoration" is required or not. The success Greg has had with native landscape performance in fire has led the United States Navy to award his company a 5 year research grant that scientifically tests various methods of fuel modification, including thinning regimes and native garden design. Greg will share some preliminary results of the study so far. Although one could never guarantee that a native landscape will save a home in a fire event, experience has shown that contrary to popular opinion, a native landscape may actually be a sensible and environmentally responsible way to achieve defensible space around homes.
PROFILE:
Greg Rubin was recently named the 2018 Horticulturist of the Year by the San Diego Horticultural Society. He is the president and founder of California's Own Native Landscape Design, Inc., and is a licensed landscape contractor (C-27 No. 717147) who has been working with California native plants since 1985. By 1993, Greg fully transitioned out of his career as an aerospace engineer to devote himself to his successful and unusual landscaping business. His company has designed over 700 residential, commercial, and institutional native landscapes in Southern California. Specialties include year-round appeal, low maintenance, water efficiency, rich habitat, and fire-resistance. Greg regularly gives presentations and workshops on native plants to conferences, garden clubs and other organizations throughout Southern California. His website is www.calown.com.
