Underconstruction

CHINO BASIN WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING, or

HOW TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

You hear a great deal about "sustainable landscaping" lately, but when it comes right down to it, what on earth does that really mean? Sustainable landscaping simply means that less is sometimes more, provided the basics have been attended to.

Less water, less fertilizer, less labor - it sounds pretty tempting. The concept is understood by acknowledging that working within nature's constraints is easier than fighting a losing battle against it. Recognizing that resources are becoming increasingly limited as our population grows, means knowing that there may not be enough to go around in future years. Therefore, most importantly, selecting and cultivating the appropriate plant materials for our climate makes a lot of sense.

Selecting appropriate plant materials means choosing plants with water requirements that match the climate, in our case, plants adapted to rainy winters and to dry summers. Fortunately, California has been blessed with a huge selection of plants perfectly suited to our unusual weather. Remember that in most climates, much of the annual rainfall is received during the summer months. In southern California, however, it is not at all unusual to receive virtually no rain from May to October. During these long, hot months, our native plants generally go to sleep to await fall and winter's rains. Many can survive with no summer irrigation. With the advent of the rainy season, however, wide awake and growing furiously, our natives go to work.

Determining in advance the ultimate height and width required for a particular spot and comparing this to a given plant's ultimate dimensions will save hours of backyard pruning and hauling of green material to landfills. Plants that tolerate our alkaline soils and that are naturally resistant to pests minimize the need for fertilizers, pesticides and other toxics that can ultimately leach into our waters. A garden free of loads of chemicals is more inviting to birds, butterflies, and the insects that patrol against overwhelming infestations.

Plants nurtured with a mulching program will save months of sky-high water bills. A mulch of decomposed wood chips, clippings, food scraps, and even gravel, insulates and protects the soil and therefore the roots of plants from the hot summer sun. Compost also enriches the soil and provides habitat for beneficial worms and insects. Additionally, a thick layer of compost discourages weeds from taking hold. The creation of a sustainable garden is the creation of a self-contained ecosystem that is full of the cycle of life, and a place for you that reflects the pleasures of nature rather than the never-ending drudgery of mowing, spraying and feeding.

Take a stroll through the demonstration garden, and refer to our plant list for an extensive listing of drought tolerant, waterwise, and beautiful plants.