Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping

Transcription

1 Utah State University All Archived Publications Archived USU Extension Publications 2005 Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping Larry A. Sagers Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: Part of the Plant Sciences Commons Warning: The information in this series may be obsolete. It is presented here for historical purposes only. For the most up to date information please visit The Utah State University Cooperative Extension Office Recommended Citation Sagers, Larry A., "Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping" (2005). All Archived Publications. Paper This Presentation is brought to you for free and open access by the Archived USU Extension Publications at It has been accepted for inclusion in All Archived Publications by an authorized administrator of For more information, please contact

2 Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping Using Natural Resources Wisely 5/22/15 LJ

3 Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping Utah House and Waterwise Landscaping 5/22/15 LJ

4 Why Waterwise? Beauty and conservation. Promote diversity. Provide habitat for wildlife. 5/22/15 LJ

5 What types of gardens or landscapes apply? Formal or Informal Naturalistic & Rock Cottage and Traditional Prairies or Mountain Beds & Borders All types! 5/22/15 LJ

6 We Are Going to Discuss: Natural VS Controlled Seven principles of Xeriscape Plant lists, pictures and resources Final questions and answers 5/22/15 LJ

7 Natural Vs. Controlled Ask yourself the following questions: How much input do I want? What are my real expectations? What resources are available? Low Maintenance Low Control-<$ High Maintenance Total Control->$ 5/22/15 LJ

8 The Quest For Beauty Zero scape is not Xeriscape 5/22/15 LJ

9 Typical Bluegrass Landscape Plentiful natural precipitation 5/22/15 LJ

10 Acres of Turf (or a Golf Course in Your Yard) Maximum irrigation needs 5/22/15 LJ

11 Natures Landscapes Sheer Natural Beauty 5/22/15 LJ

12 Natures Landscapes High Mountains Moderate Water 5/22/15 LJ

13 Natures Landscapes Vegas Desert Rare Precipitation 5/22/15 LJ

14 Natures Landscapes Cascade Springs Natural Water Source 5/22/15 LJ

15 Natures Landscapes Gardeners Replica Natural Precipitation 5/22/15 LJ

16 What Is Xeriscape? Water-Wise Landscaping, Low-water Landscaping and Xeriscape all represent the same basic ideas; Each identify principles of gardening & landscaping that conserve water and use resources wisely. 5/22/15 LJ

17 Principles of Xeriscape Proper planning Limiting turf Efficient irrigation Soil improvements Soil protection Xeric plants Maintenance 5/22/15 LJ

18 1) Planning and Design Identify existing conditions Determine and list needs and expectations Group plants together by their needs (Moisture, soil, sun, hardiness, wind, etc.) Consider micro climates Plan and use water zones USU Booklet Waterwise Landscaping 5/22/15 LJ

19 1) Planning and Design Identify existing conditions 5/22/15 LJ

20 1) Planning and Design Determine and list needs and expectations 5/22/15 LJ

21 1) Planning and Design Group plants together by their needs (Moisture, soil, sun, hardiness, wind, etc.) 5/22/15 LJ

22 1) Planning and Design Consider micro climates 5/22/15 LJ

23 1) Planning and Design Plan and use water zones 5/22/15 LJ

24 Consider Maintenance 5/22/15 LJ

25 2) Limit Turf Areas Turf grass is highest user of water. Reduce amount to actual needs. Consider alternative types of turf (see chart). Consider alternatives i.e.: natural prairie. Massive turf areas are best suited for parks, golf courses and other public areas. 5/22/15 LJ

26 Turf Chart TYPE H2o COLOR WEAR REGROWTH Blue Grass High Dark/Yellow Medium High/Excellent Perennial Rye High Med Green Medium Slow/Seed Tall Fescues Med Med Green High Slow/Seed Dwarf Fescue Med Med Green Med Poor Turtle Turf Med Dark/Med Med Poor Buffalo Grass Low Light Green High High/Excellent Blue Gramma Low Blue/Green Moderate Slow/Seed Short Prairie Ntrl. Varies Med/Poor Slow 5/22/15 LJ

27 Stressed Blue Grass 5/22/15 LJ

28 Deep Watered Tall Fescue 5/22/15 LJ

29 3) Irrigate Efficiently Eliminate waste Monitor rainfall Avoid midday Water deep less often Use water zoning Zone1 very low Zone 2 low Zone3 moderate Zone 4 - high 5/22/15 LJ

30 4) Improve the Soil Amend to meet each plant groups needs. Organic matter is the Answer (clay or sand). Use what is available. Health soil equals healthy plants! 5/22/15 LJ

31 Hard Clay & Clay Loam 5/22/15 LJ

32 5) Protect the Soil Mulch to conserve water and reduce weeds. Mulch conserves moisture by dissipating rainfall or irrigation and holding moisture in the soil. Mulch denies sun to seeds and seedling and prevents most weed growth. Mimic nature by using rocks and gravel, forest mulch, compost or thick plant growth. Straw, hay, grass clippings or compost works well in vegetable gardens. 5/22/15 LJ

33 Mulch Example Wood Chips 5/22/15 LJ

34 Mulch Example - Straw 5/22/15 LJ

35 Mulch Example - Gravel 5/22/15 LJ

36 Mulch Example - Plants 5/22/15 LJ

37 6) Use Waterwise Plants Plants for all purposes Endless possibilities Limit water lovers Use more native Already adapted Hardy & resilient Alternate beauty 5/22/15 LJ

38 Xeriscape Plants (bulbs & tubers) 5/22/15 LJ

39 Xeriscape Plants (prairie) 5/22/15 LJ

40 Xeriscape Plants (prairie) 5/22/15 LJ

41 Xeriscape Plants (desert flowers) 5/22/15 LJ

42 Xeriscape Plants (desert flowers) 5/22/15 LJ

43 Xeriscape Plants (mountain) 5/22/15 LJ

44 Xeriscape Plants (Penstemons) 5/22/15 LJ

45 Xeriscape Plants (shrubs) 5/22/15 LJ

46 Xeriscape Plants (shrubs) 5/22/15 LJ

47 Xeriscape Plants (trees) 5/22/15 LJ

48 7) Proper Maintenance Tune sprinkler systems Mow grass higher Control weeds Limit fertilizer Water deep less often Prune as needed using proper methods. Don t become a slave! 5/22/15 LJ

49 Cactus Trees? 5/22/15 LJ

50 Have Fun Creating Enhance the beauty of your home and community. Plan interest for all four seasons. Try new plants and ideas. Invite wildlife with diversity. Mix colors, textures and shapes for interest. 5/22/15 LJ

51 Grasses 5/22/15 LJ

52 Color 5/22/15 LJ

53 Textures and Shapes 5/22/15 LJ

54 Hard Places 5/22/15 LJ

55 Enjoy the Seasons 5/22/15 LJ

56 5/22/15 LJ

57 Summary Ø Adjust design to personal needs Ø Xeriscape vs. Zero-scape Ø Monitor water use Ø Start Small Ø Use native plants Ø Practice smart maintenance Ø Last but not least - Have Fun! 5/22/15 LJ

58 Xeriscape / Water Wise Landscaping Resources USU: extension offices, garden publications, horticulture forums, continuing education, etc. Utah Native Plant Society Jordan Valley Water Conservation Gardens 5/22/15 LJ

59 Xeriscape / Water Wise Landscaping Resources BOOKS: xeriscape, low water, high desert, native plants, etc. 5/22/15 LJ

60 Xeriscape / Water Wise Landscaping Resources INTERNET: for plants, information, forums, searches, gardening help, etc. Look for information from the Intermountain area, not from the desert Southwest or from Florida 5/22/15 LJ

61 Xeriscape / Water Wise Landscaping Resources Thank You Come Back For More Classes In The Future 5/22/15 LJ