Xeriscaping
Earth Gauge Video is available for this tip.
Do you like a beautiful yard, but not the time, effort and money required to maintain it? In hot, dry climates, the water required to maintain a lush landscape can be costly. Just one lawn sprinkler operating three times per week can use more than 1,000 gallons of water. About half of that water is lost by evaporation.
Viewer Tip: Try xeriscaping to maintain a beautiful yard without guzzling water. “Xeros” is a greek word meaning “dry.” By choosing native, drought-tolerant plants that are well adapted to your climate, you can cut outdoor watering expenses in half!
To learn more about the principles of xeriscaping, visit www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/outdoor-tips/how-to/landscape-to-xeriscape/index.php.
To find plants that are native to your area, visit www.wildflower.org/explore/ or ask an expert at your local garden center.
Seasons: Spring, Summer
(Sources: Water Use it Wisely, www.wateruseitwisely.org; Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, http://www.wildflower.org/explore/)
