Green Homes Special Series: Part Three: Water-Friendly Landscapes

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In southern Wisconsin native landscaping might offer the look of a prairie such as this one with ironweed (Veronica fasciculata) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Photo © Rebecca Chesin, Wild Ones® Natural Landscapers Ltd. New Attitude The typical U.S. household can use 40 to 60 gallons a day on average just to water lawns and gardens. About half that amount is wasted through evaporation, wind, poorly designed watering systems or overwatering. A water-friendly landscape offers several benefits. Besides conserving a precious resource, it reduces the cost of that water both to the individual and to the larger community infrastructure, helps eliminate runoff pollution and erosion, and reduces yard upkeep. Several concepts can be used as guidelines as you work with your regional challenges, site topography, scope and budget. These ideas are called "xeriscaping" or creating a landscape emphasizing plants with low water needs; natural landscaping using native plants; harvesting rainwater; and creating rain gardens. Landscapes with Low-Water Needs Xeriscaping (pronounced "zeer-i-skey-ping") combines the Greek word "xeros," which means dry, with the word landscaping. The Denver Water Department coined and copyrighted the word Xeriscape™ as a way to market water-conserving landscaping. Its approach focuses on seven areas: planning and design, soil analysis and improvement, selecting proper plants, creating practical turf areas, irrigating efficiently, using mulches, and proper maintenance. This above-ground rainwater collection system is shown during initial installation at a new construction by Stanton Homes near Raleigh, N.C. The system, with a 550-gallon cistern, includes a half-horsepower pump to allow a sprinkler to be used. The water goes through several layers of filters before it is stored. The wood for what will be a small screening fence is around the perimeter of the tank. Photo © Stanton Homes While many may associate the word with stark visions of cacti, succulents and rocks, in reality xeriscaping can mean great color and textures from drought-tolerant vines, groundcovers, grasses, perennials and shrubs. Picture prostrate rosemary, yarrow, perennial verbena and sedum, for examples. Vegetation is not limited to native species but can include exotics that can handle the soil types, temperatures, light and rainfall. Contact local nurseries or extension services for best suggestions. Xeriscaping emphasizes proper groupings of plants with similar water needs. A landscape might mix larger groups of plants that survive on local conditions or that need supplemental watering only occasionally with smaller areas that need more care. Native Landscaping Another route to a water-friendly landscape is with native plants, ones that have evolved in an area over thousands of years, adapting to the conditions. Wild Ones® Natural Landscapers Ltd. promotes the benefits of native plants. Started in 1977 in Wisconsin, the group now has chapters in 12 states. Executive Director Donna VanBuecken says the group has seen continuing membership gains. "With global warming and climate change, people have become aware that they have a responsibility to the environment. One thing they can be easily responsible for is the environment that surrounds their home."

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