‘Water-wise’ plants rescue parched gardens

By Star & Enterprise Staff Reports

Published: July 26, 2008

“Drought is as common as thunderstorms and hot summer days,” says Dr. Don Wilhite, founder of the national Drought Mitigation Center in Omaha. “It’s part of all climates ... The key is being prepared.”
The drought in the Southeast is predicted to last well into 2008 in more than three-fourths of the region. The good news is gardening is still allowed in most areas. The key to a good garden is in knowing what to plant, and where.

Water shortages may result in imposed water restrictions and these “water bans” often communicate misconceptions that landscaping is non-essential. But, for Mary Kay Woodworth, vice-president of the Georgia Urban Agricultural Council, landscapes are essential in protecting our delicate eco-system. “Lawns, ground covers and vegetation are crucial to managing ground water and assist in retention, filtration and purification of a watershed,” Woodworth asserts. Today’s consumers want an eco-wise garden which is low-maintenance, attractive, and drought resistant and they need help selecting colorful plants which conserve water and thrive during drought conditions.

Follow these simple rules to assure that you can conserve water, garden responsibly and still have a beautiful yard this summer…

1. Get the soil in shape—The key to gardening is conditioning, that is, conditioning the soil, applying mulch, and picking high-performance plants. Use at least two inches of mulch to retain soil moisture; use soaker hoses or drip irrigation with timers and cut back annuals and perennials during dry spells. They’ll bounce back sooner.

2. Use plants that drink responsibly—Look for plants that are pre-selected to save water. There are many on the market now, created by water conservation programs in mind that highlight annuals and perennials, shrubs and trees that use much less water while providing lots of color, blooms and greenery.

3. Use the right plants for the right spots—Choosing plants which are drought resistant yet splash your landscapes with bold color, heady fragrance, and create interesting architectural boundaries is a gardeners dream. One suggestion is to use plants that hug the ground and have thick succulent foliage. They are better suited for dry soils and drought conditions. Look for water conserving bedding plants, such as Purslane, Blue Daze and Lantana. All of these provide excellent ground cover, add interest to rock gardens and bedazzle containers.

4. Form cliques—Group together plants that provide bold color, dramatic curb appeal and visual excitement. For instance, cosmos add beauty to your flower bed or cutting garden, while stunning verbena trailing over rock walls, creates a dramatic, yet water-saving effect.

5. Contain yourself—Container gardening saves water and is visually appealing. Group plants according to complementary colors which boosts design appeal. Try adding succulents to your garden landscape. They’re able to survive arid regions through their efficient and water-storing capabilities, easy to grow and are trendy. With their versatility ranging from containers to hillside gardens, succulents and cacti add year-round visual beauty.

Visit http://www.Learn2Grow.com for more gardening tips.