Waterwise, drought tolerant, xeriscaping, drip-irrigation, terms that suggest the value of water, are often in gardeners discussions these days. Resources for more information include online searches, Xerces publications and contacts with the Spokane County WSU Master Gardeners. Master Gardener, Kris Moberg-Hendron, leads the Waterwise Information Program and welcomes gardeners interested in Water Wise landscaping to visit the demonstration gardens at the WSU extension office at 222 N. Havana, in Spokane. Registration is not necessary, however if you wish a Master Gardener to acquaint you with the plants and philosophies of the garden please call Kris at 509-842-8436 to schedule an appointment.
Not only does restricted use of water benefit your utility bill, it offers respite for our unreasonable consumption. Contact Inland Power and Light, for energy, conservation and rebates at 509-789-1801. Avista also has tips and programs to encourage your adoption of this concept. Contact myavista.com to learn if your are eligible for their energy rebates. Another excellent resource is SpokaneScape-City of Spokane. Their useful publication is available on line at [email protected] or call 509-625-7800 for more information.
Xeriscaping is not zeroscaping. Xeriscape gardens don’t have to be boring. Proper placement, thoughtful selection of color, size, form, and flower occurrence are integral components of a pleasing garden either traditional or xeriscaped.
For example, choices of drought tolerant perennials candytuft, peonies, spirea, Russian sage, lavender, Autumn Joy sedum and perennial asters offer successive blooms from spring to fall.
Just a note about green, the hardy, drought tolerant, dwarf Green Velvet boxwood is a great plant to use in your xeriscape garden.
Early flowering daffodils, then Iris, salvia, rudbeckia and echinacea, cosmos, agastache, gaura, yarrow and blanket flower keep the xeriscape garden alive with color.
Drought tolerant gardens don’t necessarily require full sun. There are many plants that appreciate dry shady conditions as well. Hellebores, hostas, heuchera, kinnickinnick, and vinca thrive in the dry shade.
Waterwise gardening practices also encourage the selection of native trees in the landscape.Trees and large shrubs to consider are Rocky Mountain Juniper, Blue Elderberry, Chokecherry, Ocean Spray, Mock Orange, Amelanchier, and native ninebark. Plants of the Wild has a more complete catalogue of native plants to choose from.
As I continue to garden I am incorporating plants whose appetites require less hydration to replace more thirsty species.
Recently, my lovely European White Birch succumbed to the bronze birch borer which attacked the tree because of extended periods of harsh weather. Extreme cold in the winter and unseasonably hot temperatures in the spring and early summer contributed to weakening the tree’s vigor and made it receptive for the BBB beetles.
A replacement I am considering is the Ginkgo biloba. Though not exceptionally drought tolerant, the Ginkgo can reside in most environments and PH soil ranges except maybe the desert. Also referred to as the Maidenhair tree, this native to China is one of the oldest living species in the world. It is known as a ‘living fossil’. Of the genus, Cercidiphyllum, the Ginkgo has no major insects or disease problems.
Ginkgo grows in full sun or part shade about two feet a year until reaching maturity of 20 to 50 feet. My part shade location will provide a little bit of humidity. Though its needs are few, along with consistent watering, the Ginkgo appreciates a dressing of fertilizer in the spring. A watering system that delivers deep watering instead of surface watering will deliver moisture 6 to 12 inches deep and nourish its shallow root system.
I am encouraged to plant the Ginkgo because it is deer resistant, develops some drought tolerance as it matures and the history of the Ginkgo is impressive.The Ginkgo drops its golden fan-shaped leaves all at once in the fall requiring less maintenance at cleanup time.
(When purchasing a Ginkgo tree insist on the male tree, or a sterile tree, as the female tree emits an unpleasant smell.)
I am convinced my small part in respecting the use of water not only in my garden but also in my bathtub will contribute to longevity of the planet.
Master Gardeners are available at the Cheney Library 1st & 3rd Fridays April to October
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