Water conservation is important for various reasons, with economics playing a large role. Landscape watering is expensive, and can create runoff, which in of its self can be destructive and wasteful. There are however, ways to conserve water and prevent runoff when planning a desert landscape. Get creative and think about hiring a company that specializes in xeriscaping. Timers can be installed at the source as a means of conservation, as well. At any point in the water line tee connections can be added to extend the system. Owners using a drip irrigation system should be mindful of each plants water requirements. Over watering is simply wasting water, so when setting the timer ensure the plants are getting enough, while not over watering.
Desert landscaping or xeriscaping, which means dry landscape, combines what nature provides with some planning and ingenuity to conserve water. To put some perspective on how much water it actually takes to maintain a lawn here is a formula. It takes approximately .6230 gallons of water per square foot to equal one inch of watering. Therefore, it takes 62 gallons of water, for every 100 square feet of lawn. Imagine doing this daily. On average during the summer months, it takes 1,000 gallons of water daily to maintain a yard.
Owners can begin conserving water by using xeriscaping techniques. First, determine what plants are native to the dry climate. Plants such as Dwarf Conifers, pampas grasses, and many varieties of cacti thrive in dry conditions. Oleander bushes along with Crape Myrtles are hardy shrubs that require little water and maintenance. This is a good choice for desert climates and landscapes. Once the water lines are secured and working properly mulch to cover the lines. The water is applied under the mulch, so evaporation is no longer such a concern.
Obviously, all plants need water however, how efficiently that water is applied and conserved can make all the difference. One way to design a garden or flower bed is to elevate the growing surface, and tier the plants from top to bottom. The plants at the bottom will receive more water during rains or watering sessions. The water, will of course, drain from top to bottom, watering all plants as it drains. Flat surfaces simply allow water to drain straight down.
Plant the tallest shrubs or bushes to provide cover for shade loving plants. Providing protection from the sun also prevents rapid evaporation. Mulching the flowerbeds also traps moisture close to the soil and protects plants from the desert heat. Plant colorful succulents such as red and orange Aloe Vera. These are great additions to any garden. These can be grouped in front of larger plants such as dwarf pines and colored fountain grasses. The succulents provide a tropical feel to any garden, and do not compete with other plants for water.
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