In most of North America, over 50 percent of residential water used is applied to landscapes and lawns. But, think of all the woodland flowers you saw thriving last summer during the drought – no one was watering them! If you are planting flowers, shrubs or trees this year, try choosing native plants that are drought-tolerant and can survive with very little watering. Xeriscaping, meaning conserving water through creative landscaping, can reduce water use drastically. In addition to using less water, there are other advantages to using native drought-tolerant plants. Except for occasional pruning and weeding, maintenance of these plants is minimal. Using plants native to your area may eliminate or reduce the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides, since sufficient nutrients are provided by healthy soil. When you use native plants, trees and shrubs, you also provide a familiar habitat for local wildlife.
Viewer Tip: There are hundreds of drought-tolerant native plants available in nurseries and garden centers. Consult with your local garden center for recommended native drought-tolerant flowers, shrubs and trees. And, make sure to check your local ordinances for landscape bylaws before planting. Some communities also have restrictions on turf grass plantings.
This tip is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.
Seasons: Spring, Summer
(Sources: http://www.eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm; University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/homegarden.html)
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