- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
Design and Implement a Water-Wise Landscape
We are more interested that ever in beautiful, water-wise landscapes that conserve an important natural resource and same time and money. About 1/3 to 1/2 of water used by a typical California family is directed at outdoor irrigation, averaging about 200 gallons a day.
The good news is that, in most instances, you do not need to completely overhaul your entire landscape or commit to expensive fixes to save water. While native gardens are generally water efficient and low maintenance, there are many non-native plants that thrive in California and are just as water-wise. Most of the water wasted in residential landscapes is not due to thirsty plants, it is the result of inefficient and ineffective watering practices.
Following our tips in the coming weeks will save you money, water and time.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
Why do we want a sustainable landscape?
The benefits include;
- Healthy, low-maintenance landscapes
- Lower water bills (for those on meters)
- Less water quality degradation
- Increased energy conservation due to less pumping and water treatment
- Extended life of water resources infrastructure (pumping, water treatment facilities, etc.)
- Enhanced wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors
- Reduced air pollution
- Reduced home cooling and heating cost through strategic plant placement.
Sustainable landscaping involves selecting plants that are adapted to your climate and microclimate. These practices reduce water waste, protect water quality, nurture the soil, protect and encourage desirable wildlife and conserve energy.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
What exactly is sustainable landscaping?
In a nutshell, it involves selecting plants that are adapted to your climate and microclimate and implementing maintenance practices that reduce water waste, protect water quality, nurture soil, recycle organic matter, incorporate integrated pest management, (IPM), protect and encourage desirable wildlife, and conserve energy.
- Choose plants recommended for your climate and microclimate.
- What is your climate zone? Sunset magazine develop the Sunset climate zones many, many years ago. It takes into consideration more factors than the USDA plant hardiness zones. What is your Sunset zone?
- So, what is a microclimate? My house sits in Sunset climate zone 8 but the front and back of the house are very different. For example, the front of my house has a very large tree and it is shady, dark and cool in the summer. I would never be able to grow sun loving plants like marigolds but my ferns thrive there. Another example would be my backyard. In my backyard there is NO shade! In the summer, it's hotter than a firecracker back there. In this case I would never be able to grow ferns but the marigolds would do well and be very happy. What are your microclimates?
- Avoid invasive plants! Many times these plants are great drought tolerant plants but they survive and spread on their own without human assistance. Some invasive plants (that can be found in stores) are Mexican Feathergrass (Nassella or Stipa tenuissima), Green Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), Highway iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis), Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) and Big Leaf Periwinkle (Vinca major), Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius). For more information contact www.plantright.org/regions