Grass is greener for stars in California’s worst ever drought … and here’s proof
CALIFORNIA is enduring the worst drought in its history – but you’d never guess it if you look at the lush, well-kept gardens of the state’s superstar residents.
Many locals have been draining their swimming pools and turning off their sprinklers after experts warned that the state has only one year’s supply of water left in reserve.
But everything in the garden is still rosy – or at least bright green – for some celebrities living near Los Angeles, as these aerial pictures show.
Arid, dusty land surrounds their homes, but once inside the garden fence it’s a different story, with healthy lawns and well-filled pools.
One star couple apparently unaffected by the drought are TV personality Kim Kardashian, 34, and her rapper husband Kanye West, 37, who own a mansion in the Hidden Hills area.
Despite four years of dry weather in California, their property boasts lush trees around the perimeter, a glossy lawn and two outdoor swimming pools. A spokesman for Ms Kardashian – who has previously said she washes her hair only every five days to save water – said that she and her husband moved into the renovated estate last month.
‘Kim takes this drought seriously and has made some amendments to the property,’ the spokesman added. ‘She has no problem letting her grass go brown.’ At the home of actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, 45, the thriving trees and beautifully manicured grass stand out next to neighbouring land which has been allowed to turn brown. She also has a pool which has been kept topped up during the dry spell. Other celebrities have at least taken some steps to make their gardens easier to tend to during the drought. Singer Cher has planted a forest of palm trees next to the tennis court and a bed of succulents in her garden – neither need much water to flourish. However, the 68-year-old’s bright green lawn and full swimming pool appear to be unaffected.
Actress Julia Roberts, 47, seems not to be so intent on keeping her lawn in pristine condition and a browner patch is now visible amid the greenery.
She also appears to be doing her bit for energy conservation with solar panels on the roof.
Barbra Streisand’s beachside home in Malibu boasts a healthy lawn and a glistening swimming pool, but her spokesman told the New York Post that the 73-year-old singer has cut her water usage by 50 per cent in recent months.
Last week drastic measures were announced to cut water usage by 25 per cent across California, including limiting homeowners to certain types of efficient watering systems.
Those caught flouting the rules will be liable to pay a fine of up to $500 – small change for many of the multi-millionaire residents.