Transforming HOA Landscapes with Native Plants, a talk by Shelkie Tao

Transforming HOA Landscapes with Native Plants & AB 1572

As California advances its water conservation goals, traditional HOA turf policies are undergoing a major shift. Starting January 1, 2029, Assembly Bill 1572 will prohibit the use of potable water for non-functional turf in HOA common areas - a mandate that will be strictly enforced. For homeowners and board members, this regulatory shift presents a powerful opportunity to replace lawn areas with native landscaping that conserves water and restores local biodiversity.

In this presentation, Shelkie will share why converting lawns to California native plants yields far greater long-term benefits than standard low-water alternatives. She will cover practical strategies for balancing ecological performance with polished visual appeal, selecting climate-appropriate species that thrive in structured garden settings, and effectively communicating design intent to HOA boards. Attendees will leave with actionable steps for replacing thirsty turf with vibrant, ecosystem-friendly landscapes that satisfy state mandates while enhancing neighborhood character.

Speaker Bio:
Shelkie is a landscape designer and founder of WaterEfficientGardens.com, an online landscape design business specializing in low-water and California native garden designs. As a sustainability-driven entrepreneur, she is committed to developing attractive, water-efficient, and ecosystem-friendly landscaping solutions. Her design work has been featured by the statewide Save Our Water campaign. Prior to founding Water Efficient Gardens, Shelkie worked for over a decade in the Silicon Valley high-tech industry. She earned a Certificate of Achievement in Environmental Horticulture and Design from Foothill College, holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and is an avid trail runner who has completed 21 marathons.

This talk is in-person only.

Photo by Shelkie Tao