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isave
above: a succulent planter box
garden requires little water at top: no sprinkler needed here, a beautiful
dry coastal garden, designed by Mother Nature herself.
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water
It's not a jungle out there...
While it is true that the Bay Area has a wide array of microclimates,
watching our water consumption is still important, especially when a dry
winter is predicted for 2010 and beyond. How we use water affects not just
our gardens but the environments around it, as well as the bay, where most
water eventually ends up.
Water conservation... Every one of us can help pitch in to conserve
water without sacrificing a beautiful garden.
Water better. Whether you have an irrigation system on a timer, use a
soak hose, or spray with a regular garden hose, the best way to make your
water work harder for you is to water in the early morning. Less water will
be stolen by the sun through evaporation.
Train your plants. Less frequent/deeper waterings will train your
plants to send roots farther into the ground, where there is a more
consistent supply of moisture and protection from dry spells.
Choose low water plants. My motto is to adapt your taste in plants to
your environment. Why fight against nature when you can work with it? I will help
you find beautiful plants suited to your area that won't require a battle.
Design possibilities: For instance, using gravel and low water
perennials to replace lawn, and mulching your plants to help keep the ground cool
and slow the evaporation of water by the sun. You can have the ‘English Cottage Garden’
look, the ‘Tropical Jungle’ look, etc. using plants adapted to
this climate.
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