A. Water is no longer the cheap resource it used to be. We have to manage our water use much better than in the past. An obvious means to conserve water in a landscape is to concentrate on plants that will thrive on the normal rainfall pattern in a given region. With an average of 35 to 45 inches or more of annual rainfall here, there is little problem for the average landscape except during dry spells in July and August.
Once established, most plants will get by with a minimum of supplementary irrigation during dry spells. Another means is to concentrate your landscaping efforts on the areas adjacent to the house and let the fringes fend for themselves.
Careful thought should be given to plant selection in relation to water needs. Under extreme conditions, the oasis concept from desert regions can be adapted. This is where lush, cool green plants are reserved for the entrance and outdoor living areas. By concentrating lush plantings around a shaded patio, you can have a cool spot for relaxing and entertaining without having to pour enormous quantities of water on the entire yard.
Get to know how plants signal their need for water. Grasses tend to lie flat after being stepped on if moisture is low, and the color is duller than normal. Many plants lose their gloss and leaves will start to droop before going into permanent wilt. Some plants can recover without losing a leaf after sprawling flat on the ground. Others will defoliate, drop buds and flowers, and may never be the same once they've dried out. Observation and experience are the best ways to learn which of your plants are sensitive and which are toughies.
Don't water on a rigid schedule. The time to water is when the plants need it. If in doubt, hold up on watering until the top soil layer becomes almost dry to the touch. The symptoms of waterlogged plants can sometimes be confused with dryness as many of the symptoms are similar. Dig down below the surface rather than just guess. Use a soil sampler or hand trowel for a deeper look. Try to water early in the morning to avoid excessive evaporation loss. Evening is not as good as mornings because many types of fungal pathogens have a better chance of setting up infections because plant foliage tends to remain moist for longer periods of time.
Some plants, such as azaleas, camellias, and Japanese andromeda and ternstroemia (cleyera), have shallow surface roots and benefit from frequent light waterings in addition to an occasional deep watering. In heavy clay soils, water must be applied slowly in order to soak in.
And be sure to mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulching not only decreases water loss from soils but it also reduces weeds problems, keeps soil temperatures lower during hot summer months and reduces the occurrence on many fungal disease problems.
Water conservation is a wise and responsible approach in maintaining your landscape. By utilizing a variety of methods, you can conserve water, reduce your utility bills and still have a healthy and attractive landscape.