Go Native & Save Water!

 

Did you know that up to 70% of household water is used for outdoor gardens and landscapes? Rather than feed your thirsty lawn and plants that account for most of your total water bill, why not use Orange County natives? 

 

OC native plants are a great landscaping choice for your home garden. Not only are they beautiful, but they require little to no water and support our local habitats, bird and insect life, and the ecosystems upon which we all depend. What’s more, OC natives don’t need fertilizers and pesticides. 

The simple act of replacing your lawn with OC native plants is a powerful way to save money and will make a difference to our environment by conserving water...our most precious resource! This is particularly important considering the extreme drought conditions we face today and the reality that droughts will continue to impact California in the future. 

Turning your yard into a drought resilient landscape is easy. Here are a few tips to consider before getting started:

 

Tips for OC Native Gardens 

Set Your Foundation 

  • Consider hiring a professional who can ensure your design is beautiful and functional. 
  • Give structure to your yard with hardscapes and OC native evergreen shrubs that will remain green year-round and act as a backdrop to more colorful perennials and annuals. 
  • Plant in drifts and swaths of like plants, rather than a sprinkling of different plant species, for a simple yet powerful visual effect. Also consider planting in layers of increasing height from front to back. 

 

Plant Wisely

  • Choose the right season. Take advantage of cooler temperatures and rainfall by planting in fall through early spring. 
  • Observe the amount of sun and shade in your yard throughout the day and identify the type of soil and drainage for each area. Then group plants with similar water, sun and soil needs. 
  • Give plants room to grow into their mature size. Look for the mature sizes on the container labels and space plants accordingly.

 

Micro-bubbler drip irrigation systems apply gentle streams of water that are typically adjustable for different types of plants and spacing. Since water is applied directly to the root zone, these irrigation systems help avoid runoff waste. Micro bubblers are ideal for shrubs, trees and dense planting areas. A Rain Bird Micro-Bubbler is pictured above.

Let Nature Take Its Course 

  • OC natives require little irrigation beyond natural rainfall after their first year of planting. During the first year, deep water once every 1-2 weeks, mimicking natural “rainfall” by hand-watering or using an efficient irrigation device, such as drip irrigation. 
  • Be vigilant and check the soil for signs of dryness as you being to transition to less frequent irrigation. 
  • Use your landscape to capture water and minimize runoff by using permeable surfaces wherever possible, directing water from downspouts, and contouring your landscape with berms, swales, and dry creek beds. 

Turning your yard into a drought resilient landscape doesn’t have to be an overwhelming endeavor. Keep in mind that you can go at your own pace and transform one area at a time!

 

Download a list of OC Natives, garden designs and landscaping resources here. The diagrams and ideas are provided courtesy of California Native Plant Society. Be sure to visit its site, “Bloom! California,” for more information and helpful tips!