XERISCAPING
The drought and subsequent water shortage of 2007 are the result of persistent low rainfall dating back to 2006, which ranked as the sixth-driest year on record in terms of District-wide rainfall. This year's dry season currently ranks as the third driest hydrologic season in recordable Florida history, according to the National Weather Service.
Did you know that half of residential water is used for outdoor irrigation? You can cut your outdoor water use substantially with water-conserving plants and use of Xeriscape principles. Xeriscape is quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment. The term Xeriscaping means water-conserving, drought tolerant landscaping, or simply the use of the right plant in the right place-with proper maintenance and water-wise watering. Below is a brief narrative of some fundamentals of Xeriscaping.
DESIGN YOUR LANDSCAPE
Careful planning is crucial to the long-term success of a Xeriscape landscape. You can minimize your initial investment by installing your Xeriscape in phases.
SELECT the RIGHT PLANT for the RIGHT AREA
Select and group plants according to their water needs to eliminate unnecessary watering. You should have three zones in your site plan: natural zones, drought tolerant zones, and moderate or "oasis" water zones. Plants in natural zones can live on rainfall. Plants in drought tolerant zones can survive mostly on rainfall. Plants in moderate or "oasis" water zones require regular watering.
ANALYZE the SOIL
Determine the acid and alkaline levels (pH) of your soil before planting. You can mix organic matter such as compost, peat, manure or topsoil into sandy soils for enrichment and to retain moisture.
HAVE PRACTICAL TURF AREAS
Turf is the single largest consumer of water in a landscape. Place turf where it serves a purpose, such as play areas for children or to slow stormwater runoff. Always look for drought-tolerant turf varieties.
WATER WISELY
Drought-tolerant plants can survive mostly on rainfall. If watering is necessary, do it only in the early morning and in accordance with any water restrictions to reduce evaporation.
PROPERLY MAINTAIN YOUR LANDSCAPE
Overwatering increases the risk of plant disease. To encourage deep rooting and more drought-resistance, water plants thoroughly without over-watering. Fertilize properly. Excessive fertilizer promotes fast but weak growth and actually increases a plant's water needs, as does over-pruning.
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