Xeriscape does not have to mean Zero-scape.

“California Friendly” Gardening

Southern California seems to be in a state of perpetual water shortage. Years with low rainfall, combined with environmental and political issues over water delivery and allocation has added increased pressure to conserve the supply that we currently have. As much as 70% of the water we use goes to our landscapes– both residential and commercial. We can make a big impact by being water-wise gardeners. Three significant ways that you can make a change are:

1. Think Xeriscape

2. Efficient Irrigation Systems

3. Water Wisely

 

Xeriscape literally means “dry landscape”. It refers to landscape that does not need supplemental water in order to survive. In dry Southern California, that means planting with species adapted to our “Mediterranean” climate– hot dry summers, mild winters, and less than 12” annual rainfall. In addition to our own native plant palette, we can look to other regions of the world like South Africa, western Australia, Chile, and the Mediterranean for plant species adapted to similar climates.  Planted together they offer an appealing variety of flowers and foliage. You can greatly decrease your water bill by minimizing those thirsty turf areas, and replacing them with beautiful beds of low water blooms.

 

Inspect and adjust your irrigation system often. Check for breaks or leaks, as well as adjustments that can be made to keep the water where it is needed- on the plants, and not the patio or driveway. Separate water stations based on plant needs. Shady areas will not need as frequent watering as sunny spots. Flat areas will not need as much as slopes. For automatic irrigation systems, make sure you are adjusting the length and frequency of your watering according to the weather– at least monthly, if not more often. Use the Weekly Watering Index as an guide. You may also look into upgrading to a new “smart” controller, that is pre-programmed with our climate data and self adjusts on a regular basis. Check with your local water district for special offers and rebates available on these models.

 

Water wisely– plant species with similar water requirements in the same areas so that you’re not overwatering some, and underwatering others. Water according to plant needs, rather than the calendar. The watering instructions that you receive at the nursery are only estimates, and will change as the plant matures, and becomes more established. Improve your soil regularly by adding some rich compost, and working it into the soil to help with water retention and run-off. Apply a 2”-4” layer of mulch to even out soil temperature, and reduce evaporation. Group container plants together so that they help to shade the pots of one another. With a little effort, we can make a big difference.

Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana)  both ornamental and edible.

Helpful Links

 

à California Friendly Gardening Guide

 

à Landscape Watering Calculator

 

 

Above: Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)  a California native plant that thrives in dry rocky soil.

 

Below: Arizona Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii) offers colorful blooms, and fragrant foliage.