One of the keys to water efficient landscaping is putting the right plant in the right location.
The Basics of Plant Selection
Have you ever bought a plant and then brought it home and tried to decide where to put it? This is a common, though not very practical, way to select plants. A much more satisfactory approach is to first examine the area you are planting, and then decide which plants would be appropriate.
Now's the time to use the plan that you made of your landscape as a careful analysis of existing environmental conditions, functional uses of plants, and aesthetic considerations is necessary for the proper selection of plants.
Environmental Conditions - You'll need to know the environment in which the landscape plants will placed.
These topics covered in the planning phase are important to know before selecting plants.
Functional Uses of Plants - What is the desired function of the plant you are selecting? Will it be used as a focal point in your landscape, a screen, or a windbreak? Will it be used for food production? How much room is available for the plant? What appears to be a small plant at the time of purchase may grow to hide windows or to become entangled in power lines.
These topics covered in the planning phase are important to know before selecting plants.
Aesthetic Considerations - You will want to select a plant that will be attractive as well as functional in your landscape. Color, texture, flowers, fruit, and bark character are considerations.
Don't forget to consider the winter appearance of plants as well as their appearance during the growing season.
These topics covered in the planning phase are important to know before selecting plants.
Drought Tolerant Plants
To have a nice looking landscape that can live on the water provided by Mother Nature, you will need to consider plants that can stand long periods of dry spells.
Here are a few key ideas to keep in mind:
- Drought tolerant plants are useful for sandy soils, steep slopes, western or southern exposures, or areas sheltered by roof overhangs.
- Many of these plants will not tolerate poorly drained soils, especially during periods of abundant rainfall.
- Even drought tolerant plants often require supplemental water until they become established and/or during periods of extended drought.
Caution: Well-established plants should not be removed just because they do not appear on the drought-tolerant plant lists.
Most well-established trees and shrubs have good root systems that are able to take advantage of available moisture. Existing plants also provide shade and windbreaks for new plantings.
Plant Selections and Care
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