Water-wise, arid gardens should be popular this year

By LaVERLE McCANDLESS

Contributor

Sunshine is welcome each and every day we have it. Slowly the mini-glaciers are melting which is great and the water is going into the ground. 

The amount of precipitation we have received since the big snow has been way under normal, which in turn leads all gardeners to think of ways to conserve on water. One of the first ways to conserve is to change from overhead sprinkling on all plantings to drip irrigation, lawns excluded. You would be totally surprised at how much water you would save.

Another thought to saving on water consumption would be using mulch. Mulch keeps the moisture in the soil and aids in less evaporation around the plants. 

If you are thinking about new types of gardens, you could have an “arid garden” or “water wise garden” of plants that do not need a lot of water after a year or two of being established which contain drought resistant plants, cacti and/or succulents. Again, drip irrigation helps in these types of gardens, you control the amount of water to the plants, not the overall garden. Mulch and drip watering also lessens the weeding. The soil that isn't watered doesn't germinate any weed seeds. Yes, weed seeds need water to sprout and grow. Another time saver: less weeding.

The most water using gardens are lawns and trees. To keep it lush, you are fertilizing, watering, mowing, it grows, needs more water—a continual process during the growing season. Yes, lawns are gorgeous and beautiful but so are small lawns bordered by water saving areas. It is one of the hardest things to cut into the gorgeous, lush, deep green lawns to make areas which will take a time to grow, but use less and less water and still be eye catching. While you are contemplating what to do, read up on native plants, water-wise and drought resistant plants first: what will work well in your garden and area, or what has good form, summer delights, winter interests, and would work in your yard or area. 

You do need to remember, especially if you live in an area that could be prone to fires, keep a green space around your home. The fire departments have a brochures on “green space” to help keep your home safer from fires. Check this out.

The Gardeners of Cheney will have a program on drip irrigation by Don McCandless on March 9, and another program on arid gardening/water wise gardens to be announced. You all are welcome to visit the garden club meetings and can become members.

Comments and/or questions: LaVerle (509) 455 7568 or [email protected]