Implement a series of changes to your property and planting routine to take advantage of what little moisture is available
For most of the Southwest , “ dry ” is a normal state of affairs . We survive in a complex photomosaic of arid , semi - waterless , and seasonally desiccated zones that make most generalizations impossible . And an especially wet or dry time of year can throw all calculations off , making our usualwateringroutines irrelevant . We must be willing to conform to guarantee plant wellness in our garden .
That said , there are some affair we can all do to maximise the natural precipitation that we do get . Much has been written about weewee harvesting . piss managementcan be as luxuriant as you like : rain store tank , gray - urine system with tanks and pumps machine-accessible toirrigation , complicated irrigation - zone installment . All of these choice , however , are subordinate on available skill and budgets . But we can all start out somewhere , so the follow are some basics of H2O conservation that anyone can strive for . Even small changes help !
Choose plants wisely
There are hundred of big plant that have depressed body of water requirements . succulent , natives , and adaptable plant from other arid and Mediterranean parts of the cosmos can all make amazing garden combination . If you have any doubts , call in some of the gravid botanical gardens scattered throughout the Southwest for musical theme .
Create smart plant groupings and placements
Plan your garden so that industrial plant with similar water requirements live together . Ideally , keep any plants with higher water penury near the house to take advantage of roof runoff , or rainwater directed by downspouts . Use more drought - broad plants farther out where frequent forethought and lachrymation are not as probable .
Maximize existing contours
see a long - awaited rain run apace aside from your hungry plants is so disappointing ! With a small change of your garden ’s contours , you’re able to create underage landforms that manoeuver the water where you require it , slow it down enough so that it hit it up steadily into your soil . Even shallow ingathering basin can capture several inches of water . create an disingenuous serial publication of mounds and basinful will add interest to a garden and prevent precious water from run down the street .
Use hardscape to your advantage
Garden paths and permeable dry streambeds built on a rich base of coarse crushed rock will beguile water system and allow pelting to soak profoundly into adjacent root zones . terrace of dry - laid gem with porous col perform the same way . Outdoor showers ( using enviro - good soaps ) send H2O now into adjacent plantings . As all rock music gardeners know , rocks and boulders direct urine deeply along their side , and the reduced filth surface area helps retain that deep moisture .
Create curb cuts
A curb cut murder part of the street curb to allow water to fill a collection basin near the street , sustain a street - side tree or landscape . Cities such as Tucson , Arizona , have a vested interest in dilute overspill from storms and creating “ unripened ” tree - line streetscapes that help cool down the neighborhoods , while also come back rain to the water table and reduce the need for irrigating street trees . control your local area to see if such programs are in post there ; if they are not , encourage implementation through your local entity . There is cracking atonement in watching fresh rainwater pond at the base of your thirsty trees and drench deeply into their root zona .
Plant smart containers
Traditional outdoor container plantings are usually pretty hungry , with annual that call for daily tearing . If that ’s your style , be sure to use saucers under them so no water scarper away and works have extra time to to the full use the water you give them . Better yet , use succulent plants to create coloured sculptural works of artistry that postulate much less water . In cool season these can go for weeks without water , and in summertime , once or twice a week is plenty to keep them happy . Taking a brusque holiday is no problem — they will be there to recognise you when you repay .
We can always do more to save our most valuable natural resourcefulness . We know the casual wet season will die and we will be faced with water challenges again , so any change we make now will only enhance our gardening success in the future .
find out more :
Dan Johnson lives and gardens in Denver and in Tucson , Arizona . He is an associate director of horticulture for the Denver Botanic Gardens .
Photos : Dan Johnson
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Desert natives, cacti, and succulents all have similar low-water needs.
Desert natives, cacti, and succulents all have similar low-water needs.
Thirstier plants are grouped by a downspout to take advantage of whatever little rainfall occurs. This helps the grouping stay lush, even in drier conditions.
Building up some of the natural land contours of this desert garden (left) allowed natural pools of water to form during scarce rain events. Over a few years the effects were noticeable, with a grove of greenery (right) thriving in a spot that was once desolate.
Porous hardscaping allows for deep water penetration.
Many municipalities in the Southwest allow homeowners to cut into the concrete street curbs to help direct water. Just be sure to call before you cut!
Everyone loves a colorful container filled with annuals, but no one loves how much water these potted treasure need. Instead, try an assortment of water-wise succulents.
