Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Archived Publications Archived USU Extension Publications 2005 Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping Larry A. Sagers Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/extension_histall 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 1506. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/extension_histall/1506 This Presentation is brought to you for free and open access by the Archived USU Extension Publications at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Archived Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact dylan.burns@usu.edu.
Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping Using Natural Resources Wisely 5/22/15 LJ 2001 1
Waterwise Gardening and Landscaping Utah House and Waterwise Landscaping 5/22/15 LJ 2001 2
Why Waterwise? Beauty and conservation. Promote diversity. Provide habitat for wildlife. 5/22/15 LJ 2001 3
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 2001 4
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 2001 5
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 2001 6
The Quest For Beauty Zero scape is not Xeriscape 5/22/15 LJ 2001 7
Typical Bluegrass Landscape Plentiful natural precipitation 5/22/15 LJ 2001 8
Acres of Turf (or a Golf Course in Your Yard) Maximum irrigation needs 5/22/15 LJ 2001 9
Natures Landscapes Sheer Natural Beauty 5/22/15 LJ 2001 10
Natures Landscapes High Mountains Moderate Water 5/22/15 LJ 2001 11
Natures Landscapes Vegas Desert Rare Precipitation 5/22/15 LJ 2001 12
Natures Landscapes Cascade Springs Natural Water Source 5/22/15 LJ 2001 13
Natures Landscapes Gardeners Replica Natural Precipitation 5/22/15 LJ 2001 14
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 2001 15
Principles of Xeriscape Proper planning Limiting turf Efficient irrigation Soil improvements Soil protection Xeric plants Maintenance 5/22/15 LJ 2001 16
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 2001 17
1) Planning and Design Identify existing conditions 5/22/15 LJ 2001 18
1) Planning and Design Determine and list needs and expectations 5/22/15 LJ 2001 19
1) Planning and Design Group plants together by their needs (Moisture, soil, sun, hardiness, wind, etc.) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 20
1) Planning and Design Consider micro climates 5/22/15 LJ 2001 21
1) Planning and Design Plan and use water zones 5/22/15 LJ 2001 22
Consider Maintenance 5/22/15 LJ 2001 23
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 2001 24
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 2001 25
Stressed Blue Grass 5/22/15 LJ 2001 26
Deep Watered Tall Fescue 5/22/15 LJ 2001 27
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 2001 28
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 2001 29
Hard Clay & Clay Loam 5/22/15 LJ 2001 30
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 2001 31
Mulch Example Wood Chips 5/22/15 LJ 2001 32
Mulch Example - Straw 5/22/15 LJ 2001 33
Mulch Example - Gravel 5/22/15 LJ 2001 34
Mulch Example - Plants 5/22/15 LJ 2001 35
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 2001 36
Xeriscape Plants (bulbs & tubers) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 37
Xeriscape Plants (prairie) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 38
Xeriscape Plants (prairie) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 39
Xeriscape Plants (desert flowers) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 40
Xeriscape Plants (desert flowers) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 41
Xeriscape Plants (mountain) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 42
Xeriscape Plants (Penstemons) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 43
Xeriscape Plants (shrubs) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 44
Xeriscape Plants (shrubs) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 45
Xeriscape Plants (trees) 5/22/15 LJ 2001 46
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 2001 47
Cactus Trees? 5/22/15 LJ 2001 48
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 2001 49
Grasses 5/22/15 LJ 2001 50
Color 5/22/15 LJ 2001 51
Textures and Shapes 5/22/15 LJ 2001 52
Hard Places 5/22/15 LJ 2001 53
Enjoy the Seasons 5/22/15 LJ 2001 54
5/22/15 LJ 2001 55
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 2001 56
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 2001 57
Xeriscape / Water Wise Landscaping Resources BOOKS: xeriscape, low water, high desert, native plants, etc. 5/22/15 LJ 2001 58
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 2001 59
Xeriscape / Water Wise Landscaping Resources Thank You Come Back For More Classes In The Future 5/22/15 LJ 2001 60