Answer:  There are several issues to consider before determining your choice of plants. The most important is the fact that Los Angeles is going through the worst drought in decades. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is even threatening to send out inspectors to monitor water usage. That said, you should use drought tolerant plants to conserve water.

In addition, there is an overall trend today the towards long term resource efficiency. For gardens, it is called Xeriscaping - which is a combination of "xeri" derived from the Greek word "xeros" for dry and "scape", meaning a kind of view or scene. While the term translates to mean "dry scene," in reality it means simply landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings.

Xeriscapes helps to save the environment. This type usually requires less fertilization and use of pesticides than traditional landscaping. Because pesticides and fertilizers can inadvertently harm beneficial organisms, as well as impact air and water quality, reducing their use is a good idea. And you will be saving valuable landfill space too.

There is great potential for cost-savings. You will use less water and, therefore, have a lower water bill and the reduced need for fertilizers and clippings disposal saves money as well. The slower growing plants require less maintenance saving your time and energy or reducing the amount of labor needed by a gardener for maintenance.

So, this modern approach to California landscaping is the way to go and, by doing so, you will do your part by designing, installing, or converting landscapes to be low waste, water efficient and easily maintained xeriscapes.

For more specific information on plant types and resources you should attend the annual Venice Garden Tour which will be held on May 3, 2008. This will give you an opportunity to view gardens done by landscape architects and green thumb enthusiasts to get ideas to bring home.