Waterwise Landscaping: Designing a Drought-tolerant (and deer-resistant) Landscape and Garden

Transcription

1 Waterwise Landscaping: Designing a Drought-tolerant (and deer-resistant) Landscape and Garden Basic principles of xeriscaping How to Design and Implement Plants and Practical Information UCCE Master Gardeners of Trinity County

2 Xeriscaping

3 Waterwise Landscaping and Xeriscaping What is Xeriscaping? The term xeriscape was coined by the Denver Water Department in Colorado. The Principle behind xeriscaping is to create a landscape that thrives without supplemental irrigation. Anne Schellman, Water-Wise Gardening Xeriscape is a registered trademark of the National Xeriscape Council ~ defined as horticulture that emphasizes water conservation. Derived from the Greek word xeros, which means dry.

4 7 Basic Principles of Waterwise Landscaping Planning/Design Water conservation Mulchng Minimize turf areas Zoning Efficient irrigation Proper maintenance

5 Planning Make appropriate plant selection for the climate where you live Mediterranean climate plants are suited to much of California ~ Cool wet winters, dry hot summers Trinity County is Zone 7 ~ Typical winter lows 20 to 90F. Record lows 15 to -10F. Optimal growing season May through the first week of October.

6 Water Conservation Soil Drainage Mulching Hydro-zoning plants with similar water needs Irrigation

7 What s my soil type and why do I care? Understand the relationship between soil and plants Soil composition is important Loamy Sand is 1 st to warm up in spring, water and nutrients move through readily. Loam contains 5-10% organic matter, provides excellent mixture of sand, silt and clay for gardening. Clay Loam holds onto water and nutrients longer than sandy soils. Clay restricts movement of water, air and nutrients. Soil amended with compost and high in organic matter will absorb and hold water better than poor soils. This allows plant roots to penetrate deeper deeper where they can utilize additional water and nutrients

8 Mulching A 2-4 layer of organic mulch can provide many benefits: water retention, weed reduction, erosion control. Shredded bark, grass clippings, and compost are Organic mulches Inorganic mulches include stone, cloth and plastic.

9 Organic Mulches Pine needles Proper way to mulch a tree Pine bark

10 Minimize Turf Areas Lawns require large amounts of water, fertilizers, money and time. Plant only as much as you need Plant the appropriate type of turfgrass for your climate. Bunch grasses provide spiky interest throughout the yard and can help accent the colors of other plants. Hardscapes, mulches and rocks.

11 Use turf effectively for function rather than appearance only. Consider substituting ground covers or natural mulches. Remove lawn one area at a time.

12 Zoning Group plants according to the same exposure and water needs Vegetables and fruit trees need the most water and care. Also, plants you may not want to part with such as azaleas, gardenias and hydrangeas, as well as lawn. Low water users that may need supplemental irrigation in summer. Xeriscape zones minimal water. Limit area of annual flower beds Use containerized plants

13 Efficient Irrigation Zone irrigation systems to match plant requirements Separate irrigation lines can be programmed to meet differences in frequency and duration Use drip lines and soaker hoses Irrigate shortly before sunrise. Avoid irrigation during windy periods. Install permanent, automated irrigation system. Design irrigation systems to emphasize uniformity especially on turf areas Sprinkler calibration ~ three to four times a year Water use rates vary greatly from season to season Avoid overspray from sprinklers onto sidewalks, patios or other areas. Refrain from watering during the winter Check irrigation system and repair regularly

14 Proper Maintenance Deadheading, pruning, trimming, and weeding Raking, thatching Mow lawn areas to a height of 3. Remove about 1 of grass each time you mow

15 Implementing Waterwise Landscaping