Southeast In Drought - Time for Xeriscape Principals 

With rains being almost non-existent for much of the region this past summer many of us have gone back to thinking about tough plants as well as water conservation.

Such was the case in the late 1970s, which led to the Denver Water Department developing the term "xeriscape" in 1981.

At that time, they realized that during a severe drought, a $25 rise in the monthly water bill meant an extra 25,000 gallons of water going to the yard. That 25,000 gallons would fill a 1,800 square foot home two feet deep in water. So, you can only imagine the amount of water used when bills went up by $75 to $100.

Xeriscape means dry landscape, but many incorrectly think it to be "zero scape." I believe the seven aspects to xeriscaping are fundamental to good landscaping. If you are building or buying a home and the landscape is yet to be installed, try these xeriscaping principles.

 Plan from the start that the landscape is to be water efficient.

Do a soil analysis to see if soil improvement needs to be done for better water absorption and holding capacity.

Lawns use more water and require more maintenance than groundcovers, so design the lawn for practicality. I'll admit I still have too much lawn area.

Choose appropriate plants that are in tune with the Gulf Coast. You don't have to plant cactus and you don't have to go all natives, but choose plants known to be tough and free from constant problems.

By using an efficient irrigation system, you can instantly save 30 to 50 percent on your water bill.

Use mulches to help water penetration and prevent water loss through evaporation.

Use appropriate maintenance practices. Keep your grass taller, water deeply but less often, and keep weeds out of your beds (they use water too).

Most of us have felt like droughts will never really affect us. Unfortunately, we are there now and no one knows when it will subside. A look at the drought map shows that much of the Southeast is in the midst of an epic weather event.

So what about those of us who planted 57 azaleas and seven camellias last year, and have been trying to get grass established? The truth is water is critical to those plants' survival. The first two years trees and shrubs are in your landscape determines whether they get well rooted and established, and this takes water.

It is during times like this that a good, reputable irrigation company is worth every penny spent. Zoned irrigation systems allow micro-jet watering or drip to shrubs, while more conventional sprinklers are targeted to lawns. These allow us to maximize efficiency so we don't have to water what doesn't need it, and we can put the water directly where it is needed most.

With the severe drought still on us, should we reconsider our landscape design, plant selection and irrigation methods for 2024? You bet. Proven Winners sells not only the best in tough plants but also Water Wise Drip Irrigation Systems and self-watering AquaPots that has revolutionized container gardening. Follow me on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy for more tips and garden photos.

This drought monitor map of the United States shows much of the south is having an epic type event.

Choosing tough plants like Meant to Bee Queen Nectarine and Royal Raspberry Agastache, Rockin Playin’ the Blues salvia, Pyromania Blaze kniphofia and Truffula Pink gomphrena means you have beauty and drought tolerance.	This bed is geared toward pollinators and drought tolerance. Augusta Lavender heliotrope, Heat it Up Yellow Gaillardia, Rockin Blue Suede Shoes salvia, Meant to Bee Queen Nectarine and Meant to Bee Royal Raspberry Agastache come together nicely.
Mulches can be beautiful too. Tumbled blue glass mulch mimics a river through the more traditional pine bark mulch.	Proven Winners self-watering AquaPots are beautiful and with a lower reservoir that provides water as needed to the plants.  Proven Winners also sells Water Wise Drip Irrigation Systems allowing you to maximize your conservation.