Rain, rain everywhere….except here and now. What happened to the bountiful rains of late spring ? They went bye-bye. Now it’s August and my lawn and plants are in desperate need of moisture. So drag out the sprinklers and get busy. There must be a better way, right ? So I come across an article from HGTV on this very subject, How to save water and still have a head-turning landscape. Take a look.
Use an Adjustable Sprinkler
Conserving water in the landscape starts with re-thinking the ways you use and apply water to plantings. Trade in a non-adjustable oscillating sprinkler for one that offers multiple watering patterns. By sliding levers or pushing buttons, adjustable sprinklers let you direct water to where it’s needed — and avoid wasteful runoff.
Install Drip Irrigation
One of the best ways to water plants efficiently is with drip irrigation. DIY drip irrigation systems combine professional grade materials with simple installation. The result is water being delivered directly to the root zone of plants, eliminating runoff and losses through evaporation.
Harvest Rain With Cisterns
Cisterns provide a large water storage option for roof runoff. Think of them like a rain barrel on steroids. A covered cistern eliminates insect issues that can develop with open rain barrels. Most large cisterns include a pump to speed water flow from the tanks.
Add Mulch
Cover bare soil with mulch to help slow water evaporation. A mulch layer that’s 2 to 3 inches deep helps retain soil moisture and reduce weed sprouting.
Replace or Reduce Lawn
Replace part of a water-guzzling lawn with outdoor living and dining rooms. Modern building materials make it possible to design a deck that fits into the tightest spaces.
Interested ? See 20 more ways to conserve water at:
