Conservation in Your Backyard

The lack of water is a constant dilemma for California residents, as it is for many other states.  Our Mediterranean climate may be beautiful but it does not provide sufficient moisture to accommodate lush landscapes.  In many parts of our region, the terrain is considered semi-arid.  When we try to impose traditional ideas and standards of landscape to our climate we cause water usage to soar.  Xeriscaping, is the method of choosing drought tolerant plants suited to the local climate, along with garden design that captures environmental water.  Have you lost plants from water loss when watering restrictions are in place?  How much did that cost, not only in dollars but time and effort?  Some plants that are frequently used for xeriscaping are agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum, and thyme.  Plants that are indigenous to our area would be ideal.  Local garden centers are a good resource as are several websites including http://xeriscapelandscaping.org.  Mulching and grading of soil are also used for rainfall retention.  So if your neighbor takes a backhoe to his front yard and creates a desert landscape, he just may be insuring you have enough water for your bubble bath tonight.