ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605300042
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: hoein' & growin
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
To create a landscape that uses water wisely, the American Association of Nurserymen recommends seven basic principles of drought-tolerant planting including: planning and design, using plants with lower water demands, soil improvement, appropriate lawn areas, maintenance, mulching and efficient irrigation.
Planning and design - This stage is critical in a water-efficient landscape. Using your existing plants, modify your landscape to conserve water. One way to do this is to determine the plants requiring less water and planting them higher on a slope than those requiring more water. This way, excess water applied to the higher plants drains down to the lower ones for a very efficient use of the water. If you will be purchasing new plants and shrubs, look specifically for drought-tolerant varieties.
Using plants with lower water demands - Your choice of plants plays a key role in conserving water in the landscape. With a little planning, you can substitute a low-water plant for one using a lot of water and still retain the same color, shape, texture and bloom period. Actually, some of your favorite plants may already be low-water consuming. Check with your local Extension office or local nursery for drought-tolerant varieties.
Soil improvement - A soil with a good level of organic matter absorbs water faster to reduce runoff or erosion, but is aerated enough so the plant roots are able to absorb oxygen. Check your soil - is it time to add compost or aged manure?
Appropriate lawn areas - Decide what portion of your landscape to devote to grass and what portion to fill with low water-demanding plants and shrubs. In the grass areas, choose drought-tolerant varieties and consider letting your lawn go dormant during dry periods.
Maintenance - Maintaining a water efficient landscape often means relearning how to water. Overwatering is a big cause of death for plants, as is underwatering. When you see plants become limp, turn yellow, or begin to die, your plants may actually be overwatered, not too dry. Check the soil for moisture level before watering, then water slowly and deeply for healthy, deep roots.
Mulching - Mulching prevents soil erosion by stabilizing the soil at the roots of your plants. It also controls temperature of the soil and reduces evaporation of water from the soil. This means you need to water less and the water is used more efficiently.
Efficient irrigation - Irrigation patterns should be designed to distribute that correct amount of water when and where the plants need it. Avoid watering paved surfaces and patios.
LENGTH: Medium: 53 linesby CNB