Creating a Water-wise Landscape

A water-wise landscape includes several important factors. When accomplished, it requires less water, fertilizer, pesticides and maintenance. A water-wise landscape is more environmentally sound and sustainable than most traditional landscapes. Typically, a water-wise landscape will be more bird and butterfly friendly, too. Planting drought-tolerant flowering plants such as Lantana, using fewer pesticides, and creating a more natural landscape that provides shelter and food all contribute to attracting winged friends while making less of an impact on the environment.

Map It Out

Diane Relf, Extension Specialist in Environmental Horticulture with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, advises to first develop a plan of what you want your landscape to look like. A water-wise design focuses on working with nature to create an aesthetically pleasing, livable landscape, while using less water from the local supply. Taking notes on the current use of different parts of the yard and sketching permanent structures, trees, and traffic flow areas will help you in the decision making process.

Preparation is Key

According to Water- Use It Wisely, a national water conservation campaign, carefully prepared plant beds can reduce water usage by almost half. Good soil is critical to maintaining a water-wise landscape and is an important step in making any landscape more drought-tolerant. “The key to good soil is the addition of organic matter,” says Billy Skaggs, County Extension Director with the University of Georgia. “Incorporating an average of 20% of organic matter in the form of compost, manure, or rotted leaves to the existing soil will aid in microbial activity, water retention, and percolation of water to a deeper depth. Till up existing native soil whenever possible if you have a hard, clay-based soil, then add compost to the loosened soil,” he adds.

Select Plants Wisely

Choose the plants for your landscape based on their ability to thrive in your area. Selecting drought-tolerant plants is one factor, but consider also the hardiness zone and sunlight requirements of each plant. A happy plant is a healthy plant that needs less water, maintenance, and pampering. Your local Extension agent, garden center, and nursery personnel can advise you on the proper plants for your climate. “Group plants together based on their water needs to guard against over-watering some plants and under-watering others. For example, don’t plant rosemary and hydrangeas in the same bed together since they have such different water requirements,” advises Skaggs.

Cultural Practices for a Water-wise Landscape

• Put the right plant in the right spot where it will be happy and thrive without being high-maintenance.
• Choose plants that are generally free of attack from insects and diseases that cause stress.
• Mulch planting beds and tree roots with organic materials such as shredded bark or pine straw to prevent evaporation and add valuable organic matter to the soil.
• Use turf grass wisely by limiting grass to areas in the landscape that provide benefits (such as erosion control or playground areas) and select a species that is suitable to your climate.
• Water efficiently with deep and infrequent waterings. A general guide is to water a maximum of 1″ per week during the peak of summer, which is enough to soak in to a depth of 6-10″ depending on the type of soil.
• Recycle grass clippings, plant debris, and tree leaves to make valuable compost.

By cutting down on the water demands in your landscape, you will be doing your part to conserve water, while saving money and reducing time spent laboring in the garden. Your water-wise landscape will reward you with more free time to enjoy nature and the outdoors.