Damien Knight, associate landscape designer of RRM Design Group (and a former Land F/X team member), joins us to discuss the complex world of water conservation. We explore the constant struggle to convince clients to choose native, drought-tolerant plants over the lush, water-heavy aesthetics in their dreams – along with the heavy tech stack incorporating everything from SketchUp and Revit to Lumion, and even AI-driven plant palettes, Damien employs in these efforts toward a more sustainable vision. The talk turns to the extreme thirst of turf grass plus a bonus debate on "No-Mow" fescue alternatives and the hidden benefits of mulch for soil moisture. We wrap up by touching on some local San Luis Obispo projects, like the recycled-water facility and a park in a new housing development, and acknowledging equity issues where some wealthy neighborhoods just pay fines to keep things green.

This episode's topic was inspired by Land F/X Chief Operating Officer Krystal Bozarth's recent frustrations with baking in the heat while chasing her two young daughters around sun-drenched playgrounds in her hometown. Land F/X's in-house landscape architecture expert Amanda Berry, who brings experience in municipal playground design, will explore the thought process behind designing functional and fun spaces for kids. Joined by Forrestt Williams, developer and manager at Land F/X, Amanda will address the ... wait for it ... burning question: "Why isn't there enough shade in playgrounds?"