shade, reduce air pollution and dissipate the urban heat island effect. They can reduce your home energy bill, conserve water, foster wildlife diversity and can increase the value of your home. Trees are simply amazing! My favorites are the Strawberry Tree because of its smooth dark red bark and ornamental berries and “After Dark” Peppermint Willow with it’s breathtaking dark foliage and fine texture. After planting either, cover the soil with a three inch layer of shredded redwood bark mulch, it will hold in water and keep the weeds down. A low-water-use garden would not be complete without our beloved succulents, because of their unique colors, textures and growth habits—some look like they’re right out of a Dr. Seuss book. I sug- gest checking out any type of Agave, my favorite is “Mediopicta Alba.” Also look for “Hercules” Aloe and the Draco Tree, both of which are slow grow- ing, sculptural plants that eventually reach tree size—sure to get your neighbors’ attention. Make sure when planting succulents, to check whether you live in a frost-sensitive area as many don’t like chilly
conditions. Boulders and landscape aggregate are wonderful compliments to succulent plantings and are a perfect way to tie into the architecture of your home. Dry streambeds can be a beautiful addition to your landscape, but if not serving a functional purpose they can be a bit superfluous—take yours to the next level and make it a Bioswale. The basic idea is that you connect your roof drains and landscape runoff into a streambed that actually flows during rain events. The bioswale has the look and feel of a dry streambed, but it is constructed to effectively carry water away, while filtering it and allowing a certain amount to absorb back into the water table. When constructing, there are a few things you need to keep in mind; the first being to maintain positive drainage away from your home and other structures. It should be formed into the landscape with a gentle slope and have a proper outlet. The soil that is removed for the swale, can be molded and shaped into natural looking earth berms which plants love. Plant your streambed with California Gray Rush and California Field Sedge
amongst the cobble and boulders. A column about waterwise landscaping wouldn’t
be complete without addressing irrigation—I like to keep it simple. Use any kind of drip tubing system or an efficient overhead sprinkler system like rotor nozzles, but the most important component above all, is a smart controller. Any proper installation requires programming information which should in- clude your plant types, soil types and solar exposure to name just a few. A good smart controller is also weather based and comes with a mini weather sta- tion that monitors temperature and rainfall. They’re so intelligent now, that watering will be delayed after rainfall based upon how much rain was measured and what the temperatures are. Smart controllers are worth the premium cost, as they reduce your water bill and keep your plants thriving. You have the tools now to save water while mak- ing your landscape the envy of the neighborhood. It doesn’t just make sense, it’s the responsible thing to do.
gourbangreen.com
MARCH 2012 | RAGE monthly 51
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