Landscaping for Water Savings

Dwarf Coyote Brush, or simply called 'Pigeon Point', is a native to the Californian coast and central valley and has been receiving attention for a number of reasons: fire hardiness, drought tolerance, and low maintenance. source: Copyright © GardenSoft 2018

Water saving landscapes offer a break from the heat by spending less time and money on watering and more time spent on enjoying the landscape. Pigeon Point brush, native to California, is making comeback among gardeners after surviving the intense 2017 fire season. However, one does not need to be Californian to take advantage of the water savings associated with native plant species. Keep reading below for some water saving landscaping tips that are easier than you think.

A rock, the size an adult can carry comfortably, place on the south or west side of the plant will provide a cool, moist area beside the developing root ball.
source: Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

The best water-saving landscapes use water efficiently and take advantage of native plants. Native plants are already adapted to the climate which typically means less maintenance and less water use when compared to imported plant species. Start by searching the National Wildlife Federation's free online Native Plant Finder to locate native plant species. Incorporating these native species is a great start to saving water. When you do water, try to water at dawn when the ground is the coolest. Watering during dawns cooler hours means more water for the plants before the heat of the day and less water wasted through evaporation. If your plants are still struggling in the heat, consider ways to cool them using shaded areas and shadows. Help plants cool down by installing shade covers, sun sails, or even strategically placed rocks to cast some shadows.

Other water-saving landscaping tips include: 

• Mulch barrier: 3-4" deep, 3' around the plant. Mulch slows soil evaporation, reduces weeds, and buffers roots from temperature extremes.
• Southwest rocks: Placing a large rock (the size an adult can comfortably carry) on the southern or western side of the plant provides shade to slow soil evaporation and can offer roots a relief from the heat.
• Drip irrigation: Make a do-it-yourself build drip irrigator from a 2L bottle using only scissors and a screw or nail. Find the DIY drip irrigator plans HERE.

For further resources check out these websites: California's Own Native Landscape Design, Planting & Watering Guide for California Native Plants, and National Wildlife Federation

By Rocha Dollar