32 Sunset
smartGardeningideasSubscribe to Sunset magazine for landscaping inspiration and gardening advice tailored to your climate in each monthly issue Visit sunsetcom or call 800777shy0117
Use these companion books from Sunset to help you garden successfully in your climate zone Available at your local bookseller and home and garden center
Sunset Plant Finder Looking for the right lowshywater plant for your climate and gardening style Go to sunsetcomplantfinder and search by type growing condishytions and color
WheretogethelpManyprofessionalscanhelpyoudesignandimplementawatershyconservinglandscapeBeforedecidingonanyonegetseveralbidsandtalkwithpreviousclientsLocal water districts usuallyofferawealthofinformationincludingrecommendedplantlistswateringguidelinesandwatershysavingtipsLandscape architectsdesignentireoutdoorenvironmentsfromplantingstostructureslikepatiosanddecksLicensedanduniversityshytrainedtheycanprovidethewholepackagefromdesigntoinstallationOrtheycanhelpinspecifictroublespotssuchassteepslopesorareaswithpoordrainageLandscape contractorsaretrainedandlicensedinmethodsofearthmovingconstructionirrigationandplantingTheyareveryusefulfordiffishycultprojectsLandscape or garden designers havevaryingdegreesofeducationbutareusuallynotlicensedThefocusoftheirworkislikelytoberesidentialgardensOftentheyworkinconjuncshytionwithalandscapecontractorIrrigation consultantsareusuallylicensedcontractorsassociatedwithanirrigationshysupplystore(anothergoodsourceofinformation)TheycanhelpdesignandinstallefficientirrigashytionsystemsLocal nurseriescanofferusefulinformationandassistanceinchoosingplantsandirrigationequipmentManyhavedesignservices
A Copyrightcopy2009SunsetPublishingCorporationER-641
Favoritewebsitesbewaterwisecom Lowshywaterlandscapedesignideasirrigationadviceandlinkstolocalwateragenciesccwatercomconserve ContraCostaWaterDistrictrsquoswebsiteprovidesinforshymationonwaterconservationlandshyscapedesignandmaintenanceirrigationorg Informationonsmartcontrollersandefficientirrigationandtipsforhiringanirrigationcontractorirrigationessentialscom Informationonirrigationequipmentandefficientwateringwwwnrcsusdagov Tipsforbackyardconservationsavingwaterorg TheSavingWaterPartshynershiprsquoswebsiteprovideswatershyconservinginformationfortheNorthwestsnwaorgTheSouthernNevadaWaterAuthorityrsquoswebsiteprovidesinformashytiononlowshywaterplantslandscapingandirrigationsunsetcom SunsetrsquoswebsiteofferslandscapeideasplantingplansanddetailedinformationaboutlocalclimatezoneswatercagovCaliforniaDepartmentofWaterResourcesrsquowebsiteprovidesinformationondroughtinCaliforniaunthirstyplantsandefficientirrigation
Easywater-wisegardeningAdvice and design ideas for the 21st century From the editors of A
Tho
ma
s J
Sto
ry
EasyWater-WiseGardening 1
2 Sunset
Agorgeousmixoflow-waterplantsincludingCaliforniafescuecarexcatminterigeronlsquoGarnetpenstemonlavenderMexicanbushsageMorningLight
miscanthusandrosemary
GreatgardensforaneweraIn the West waterisaspreciousasgoldMostofourrainfallcomesinwinteryetmanygardenplantsneedirrigationinsummerduringourdriestmonthsSeasonaldroughtsgroundwaterpollushytionandpopulationgrowthstressthisvaluableresourceIfwearetohaveenoughwaterinthefuturewemustavoidwastingwaterinourhomesandgardenstoday
OfthewaterWesternersuseathomeabout50percentgoestogardensSothemostimportantplacetostartaconservashytionprogramisrightoutsideourdoorsFortunatelywaterconservationdoesnrsquotmeansettlingforabarrenlandscapeitmeanspracticinggoodgardeningChoosshyingplantswelladaptedtoyourclimateimprovingyoursoilwateringefficientlyandtakingadvantageofthelatestirrigashytiontechnologyallhelpsavewater
PlantsthatrequirelesswaterarewidelyavailableatnurseriesTheSunset Western Garden Book Sunset Western LandshyscapingandtheonlineSunset PlantFindertool(sunsetcomplantfinder) canprovideyouwithlistsandplans
Inthisbookletweoffermanywaystosavewaterinyourgardenincludingwateringstrategiesbasedonsoiltypesmartuseofwateringdevicesandadviceaboutselectinganefficientirrigationsystemforyourgarden
Contents4 Low-water landscape design
Elementsofadrygardenplantsforallclimatesplantingplanspermeablesurfaces
14 Efficient irrigation Manualwateringsprinklersdripsystemschoosingtherightsystem
26 Water savings Mulchbasicsrainwaterharvestingputtingitalltogether
32 Where to get help ProfessionalstoconsultandwebsitestobrowseSa
xo
n H
olt
EasyWater-WiseGardening 3
Design Elementsofalow-waterlandscapeA dry garden can be as inviting as any other Drought is a fact of lifeintheWestItrsquospartofthenaturalweathercycleThatswhywaterconservationshouldbeapartofeveryWesternerrsquoslifestyleHappilyawellshydesignedwatershywiselandscapecanbelushandcolorfulandwillmakeyourhomeabeautifulandinvitingplace
StartbyleavingmoreareasunplantedthanyouwouldifyoulivedinawetterclimatemdashabigwatersavingsrightoffthetopMakethepathsgenerousandputgravelunderseatingareasinsteadofplantingagroundcoverUsedecomposedgraniteinplaceofthirstylawngrassThenplanttheremainingspaceswithornamenshytalsthatareadaptedtoaridclimatesFinallytohighlightwaterrsquosreveredstatusintheunthirstygardenaddafewtracesofitsomerealsomeillusoryafountainthatbarelytricklesadrystreambedthatawaitsthenextdownpouroralovelyurn
8WatershysavingbasicsFollow these guidelines for a water-efficient garden 1 IMPROVE THE SOIL Routinelycultivatethesoilinyourvegetableandannualbedsincorporat-ingorganicmattersuchascompostDoingsoimprovesthesoilrsquosabilitytoretainmoistureMostlandscapeplants(treesshrubsandnativeplantsespecially)establishfasterwhenplantedinnativesoilswithouttheadditionofamendmentsIfyoursoilissandyorrockyyoumayneedtoaddcompost2 plant in the right place Locateunthirstyplantswheretheyrsquollgetthesun(orshade)expo-sureandsoildrainagetheyneedGroupplantsthathavesimilarwaterneedssononegetstoolittleortoomuchwater3 Shrink the lawn MostlawngrassesneedenormousamountsofwatertostaygreenandlushReduceyourlawnrsquossizeormdashunlessyouneeditforkidstoplayonmdasheliminateitaltogether4 CONTROL WEEDS ThesegardenintrudersstealwaterneededbydesirableplantsRegu-larlyhoeorpullthemoutwhentheyrsquoreyoungoruselandscapefabricsandmulchestodiscouragegrowth
5 Upgrade your irrigation system Addelementssuchassmartcontrollersconnectedtoweatherstationsandnewhighlyefficientsprinklersordripemitterstomakeprecisionwater-ingmucheasier(Seepages16ndash21)6 WATER DEEPLYIrrigateestablishedplantsthor-oughlybutinfrequentlytoencouragerootstogrowdownwardtheywillbebufferedfromthewet-drycycletypicaloftheuppersoilareaandmaytapintogroundwater7 IRRIGATE EFFI CIENTLYMakesureyourwateringpracticesanddevicesareasefficientaspossibleWaterplantsonlywhenneedednotbythecalendarorclockWateratnightwhenevaporationismuchlowerandtheairgener-allycalmerTightenfaucetssotheydonrsquotleakAvoidrunoffandwastefuloverspray8 MULCHCoverbaregroundaroundeachplantwitha3-inchlayerofmulchtohelpconservesoilmoisturesuppressweedsandkeepthesoilcoolerrenewannuallyOrganictypessuchasbarkchipsshreddedbarkorcompostimprovethesoilastheybreakdownandencouragebeneficialmicrobes(Seepages26ndash27)
PermeablepavingStripsofelfinthymeandArmeria maritima dissecttheflagstonepavingleadingtothefrontdoorsoakinguprainfallanddirectingexcesstotheyardoneitherside
NolawnUsingatapestryofgroundcoversinsteadofthirstyturftolandscapethefrontyardsavespreciouswaterdesignJeffreyGordonSmithLandscapeArchitectureLosOsosCA ( jgsdesignscom)
DripirrigationLow-flowirrigationisthemostefficientwaytowaterplantsmdashtherersquosnorunofforevaporationItrsquosalsothehealthiestsystemforplantsbecausethewaterpenetratesdeeplyintothesoilencouragingplantrootstodothesame
XericplantsNativeandMediterraneanplantssuchasthemanzanitayarrowEuphorbiaandKniphofia picturedarewelladaptedtotheWestTheyrequirelittlewaterandmaintenanceandtheirblue-greengray-greenfoliagelooksrightinourlight
MulchAthicklayerofmulchhelpspreservesoilmoistureButitcanalsoenhancedesigncreatingnegativespacethatmakesplantgroupingsorindividualspecimensstandout
Ste
ve
n A
Gu
nth
er
4 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 5
EasyWater-WiseGardening 7
Design
LowwaterhighstyleCombine flowering and foliage plants for a colorful allshyseason garden Water-thrifty gardensdeliveralltheboldformsandcolorsoftraditionallandshyscapesbutwithminimalresourcesandalotlesseffortAswithanygardentheyincorporatealltheelementsnecessaryforoutdoorlivingandentertainingPathsandpatiostogivethegardenformanddirecshytionArborsandtrellisestohelpdividethegardenintoroomsandtocreateshadeBenchesandoutdoorfurnishingsforcomfortButthatrsquoswherethesimilaritytoconventionallandscapesends
ThegardenspicturedherearedesignedtothriveonlittlemorethanrainfallbuttheyoffermanyotheradvantagesbeyondconservingmoistureDroughtshytolerantplantsdonrsquotrequiremuchifanyfertilizersotheytendtogrowataratethatrsquoseasytomanagewithoutconstantpruningBecausetheyproducelessgreenwastetheycontributelesstolandfillsInaddishytion manydroughtshytolerantplantsespeshyciallyWesternnativesattractbirdsandbutterflieswhichcometodineoninsectpestsortosipnectar
ItrsquospossibletohaveagardenthatrsquosbothwatershyconservingandbeautifulwithplentyoflushfoliageandagenerousdoseofseasonalflowersAllofthegardenspicturedarerichtapestriesofcolorandmotionthankstotheirdiversepalettesofcarefullychosennativesperennialsornashymentalgrassesshrubsorsucculents
Watershywisegardenstakeabitmoreplanningthanordinarylandscapesbutovertimetheyoffersignificantsavingsinlaborcostsmdashandofcoursewater
5greatwatershywisedetails1 BRIGHT COLORS YellowcolumbineredvalerianandlavendercatmintbloomamidaseaofmownbuffalograssinaNewMexicogardenAclusterofaspentreesprovideslightshadeforthecolumbine2 FOLIAGE TEXTURE StrongarchitecturaldetailssetthestageforthisSeattlegardenfilledwithbillowygrassesandperennialsAlongthegravelpathgiantfeathergrass(Stipa gigantea)andmaidengrasscreatecloudsofstrappyfoliagebesidecatnipandSpan-ishlavender3 BOLD SHAPESGoldenbarrelcactusappeartomarchalongthetopofarockwallbetweenfine-texturedpurpleDalea greggii plantsAnAgave weberi addsdramabehindthemwhilebluepaloverdeanddesertiron-woodtreessoftenthehousewalls4 LUSH PLANTINGSInaSanDiegogardenadenseborderonaslopeisfilledwithlargenativebouldersFromthefrontarebrightgreenaeoniumyellowpincushion(Leucospermum)yellowCotula coronopifolia varie- 1gatedFurcraea foetida lsquoMediopictarsquoandared-floweringivygeranium5 TWIST ON TRADITION AsuburbanfrontyardinLongBeachCAplantedwithdarkgreenCarex pansaiswateredonlyonceaweekinsummerandmowedjustfourtimesayear
32
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ck
wis
e fr
om
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p l
eft
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xo
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olt
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dr
ew d
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ke
da
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or
ch
ner
de
sig
n w
or
ksh
op
bo
b w
iga
nd
sa
xo
n h
olt
5 4Sunset6
1
2 3
Design
PlantsforallclimatesChoose ornamentals that thrive in your region While local nativesarebestsuitedtomostsitesothergoodchoicesincludedroughtshytolerantplantsfromallcornersoftheworldSomeofthemostwatershywiseoptionsarenativetotheSouthwestdesertsOthersarefromthefiveMeditershyraneanclimateregionsmdashCaliforniatheMediterraneanbasinSouthAfricasouthshywesternAustraliaandthecentralcoastofChilemdashwhererainsarespareandsummersarewarmanddry
ManyoftheseplantssharecharacterisshyticsthathelpthemsurviveperiodsofintenseheatandlowrainfallTheymayhavegrayorvelvetyleavesthatreflectheatsucculentleavesstemsandrootsthatstorewaterorneedlelikeleaveswhosesmallsurfacearealimitsthepotenshytialforwaterlossOrtheymaygodormantduringthehottestmonthsoftheyear
WatershywiseplantshavedifferentdegreesofdroughttolerancePlantsthatthriveon30inchesofrainintheNorthwestforinstancewillwitherinaSouthwestgardenwheretheaveragerainfallis10inchesorlessDoyourhomeworkbeforefinalizingplantchoicesthengroupplantsintozonesbytheirwaterneedsPlacethirstier(andoftenshowier)plantsnearshyestthehouseorinotherhighshyvisibilityspotslessthirstyplantsinthebackgroundMakesureyourirrigationplansupportseachzoneindependentlyoftheothers
AvoidthemistakeofthinkingthatsometypesofplantsneverneedwateringAllplantsnativeornotneedregulardeepirrigationsthroughthefirstyeartohelptheirrootsbecomeestablishedSomeneedmoistureintothesecondyearbutbythenmanydofinewithonlyanoccasionaldeepwateringAbitofresearchandconsultingwithyourlocalnurseryorcooperativeextensionservicewillhelpyoufigureouthowmuchwateryourplantsneed
Sunset
7greatwatershywiseplantings1 LOW SPREADING Ceanshyothus griseuslsquoKurtZadnikrsquoisacolorfulgroundcoverthatgrows2to3feettalland6feetwideormoreSpringflowersaredeepblue2 WATER-WISE AND FIRE-WISEInaSanDiegondashareagardenspacesbetweenbouldersarefilledwithadeeppinkrose-scentedgeraniumwhitenutmeg-scentedgeraniumandpurplesweet-peashrub3 wildlife magnet Coneflower(Echinacea)isatoughperennialwithdaisy-likeflowersinpinklavender-purpleyelloworangeandwhiteBeesandbutterflieslovetovisitthebeehive-shapedcentersfornectarfinchesvisitlaterforseeds4 EASY TO GROW Hornedpoppy(Glaucium flavum) producesrosettesofcrin-klygray-greenleavestoppedbyorangetobrightyellowblooms5 BRIGHT BERRIESTall(usuallyto10feet)denseToyonputsonabrightshowinwinterwhenredberriesenveloptheshrub6 BOLD FOLIAGECloudsoflime-coloredflowersonEuphorbia characias wulfeniicontrastwithchocolate-huedAeonium arboreum lsquoZwartkoprsquotocreatedramainaSanClementeCAgarden7 SHAPE AND TEXTURE Mediterranean-climateplantsfillagardenborderinarainshadowalongWashingtonrsquosPugetSoundTheyincludeAster lsquoMoumlnchrsquoandSchizostylis coccinea lsquoOregonSunsetrsquoframedagainstlsquoGoldSwordrsquoNewZealandflaxBehindistallairyVerbena bonariensis
6clo
ck
wis
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om
to
p l
eft
bo
b w
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(2
) S
tev
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un
ther
bo
b w
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(3
) j
im m
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au
sla
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 9
4
578
Design
Low-waterplantingplansBrighten a garden bed with herbs for your kitchen or berries and flowers for birds The best plants forlowshywatergardensnotonlyenliventhelandscapeandthriveonlittlewateronceestablishedtheyhaveotherbenefitsaswellWoodyperennialherbssuchasrosemarysageandthymemdashallnativetotheMediterranean
Chives
CommonsageCatmint
Lemonthyme
Pocketshysizeherbsamplerregionmdashproduceleavesthatcanbeused Just48squarefeetisspaceenoughforadiverseassortmentoffreshordriedtoflavormeatsoupsand scentedherbsplusacompatiblefragrantroseSevenoftheninestewsInbedsandborderstheycombine herbshaveculinaryusesmakingthisplantingespeciallyappealshywellwithbloomingperennialssuchas ingtocooks(particularlyifitrsquoslocatednearakitchendoor)Theblueshyfloweredcatmintandsunnyyellow twononculinarychoicesmdashlavendercottonandcatmintmdashaddtopatioroses theplotrsquosbeautywiththeirsofttexturesandequallysoftgrayshy
Unthirstyshrubsandperennialsthat greentograyshywhiteleafcolorInfactmuchofthisgardenrsquospumpoutflowersberriesorseedsinvite charmderivesfromitsvariedfoliagecolorsandtexturesconspicshyallkindsofbirdstoyourgardenbringingit uousflowersappearchieflyonthechivescatmintlavenderalivewithbeautyandmotion(Birdsalso cottonrosemaryandrosefeastonpestinsects)
YoucanreshycreateoneoftheborderspicturedatrightinyourowngardenThebesttimetoplantisearlyfallbeforerainscome(theyrsquollhelpirrigatethenewtransshyplantsforfree)LocatebothbedsinfullsunThebrightherbsamplerisdesignedtofitasmall(8shyby6shyfoot)spaceThebirdscapeisbackedwiththreebillowyshrubsthatneedmoreroomtosprawl
ThetotalnumberofeachplantneededisindicatedaftereachplantintheldquoPlantListsrdquofarright
Blanketflower Black-eyedSusan
Fountaingrass Firethorn
WesternbirdscapeThissmallplantingdesignissuitedtomildshywinterareasofCalishyforniaandtheSouthwestdesertsThoughitlackstreesandawateringholeitoffersmostoftheinducementsthatbirdscraveberriesseedsandshelterTheirresistibleluremdashaslegionsofgardenershavecometoknowmdashistheyearlycropoffirethornberriesbutthegardenrsquosfeatheredpatronswillalsofeastonthefruitsoflantanaheavenlybamboocotoneasterandElaeagnus SeedshyeaterswillappreciatethebountyofcoreopsisblanketflowerblackshyeyedSusanandfountaingrassTheshrubsallaffordampleshelter
10 Sunset
op
po
site
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ck
wis
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op
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ft d
av
id c
ava
gn
ar
o t
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sto
ry
(3
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en
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2)
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ust
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ns
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om
to
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joy
(2
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orsquot
oo
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2)
E f
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Plantingarea8x6
PlantlistA Chives(Allium F Rose(lsquoSunspritersquo)1schoenoprasum)3 G Rosemary(RosmarishyB Frenchtarragon nus officinalis)1(Artemisia H Commonsagedracunculus)4 (Salvia officinalis C Catmint(Nepeta x lsquoIcterinarsquo)1faassenii)3 I LavendercottonD Sweetmarjoram (Santolina chamaecypashy(Origanum majorana rissuslsquoNanarsquo)3Majorana hortensis)1 J LemonthymeE Oregano(Origanum (Thymus x citriodorus)vulgare)2 lsquoAureusrsquo1
c b a
h f g
f
e i d
g c
Plantingarea25x18
PlantlistA Elaeagnus x F Black-eyedSusanebbingei1 (Rudbeckia fulgida sullishyB Firethorn(Pyracanshy vantii lsquoGoldsturmrsquo)11tha coccinealsquoKasanrsquo1 G FountaingrassC Lantana (Pennisetum lsquoRadiationrsquo3+ setaceum) 6D Heavenly H Blanketflowerbamboo (Nandina (Gaillardia x grandishydomestica) 2 flora)5E Willowleafcoto- I Coreopsis grandiflora neaster(Cotoneaster lsquoSunburstrsquo4salicifoliuslsquoEmeraldCarpetrsquo)2+
EasyWater-WiseGardening 11
andbarrelcactusthriveintheflankinggravelpatches7 Pocket patio A7-footcircleofbrickssetintoabaseofcompactedsandiseasytomoveandadaptfordifferentpurposes
Design
PermeablesurfacesLet rainfall percolate down to plant roots Paths and patiosthatarepavedwithgraveldecomposedgranitespacedflagshystonesorporousconcretearethebestchoicesforwatershyconservinggardensPermeablepavingmaterialsaddbeautyandstructuretothegardenandofcourserequirenoirrigationthemselvesMoreshyovertheyallowrainwaterandirrigationtopassthroughthemandintothesoilpreventingrunoffthatcanclogstormdrainsandpollutenearbylakesstreamsandcoastalwaters
IfyoursquoreconsideringgravelvisityourlocallandscapesupplyyardtoexperiencethelookandfeelofdifferenttypesGravelreferstorocksranginginsizefrom18inchto112inchesItcomesintwoformsManmadecrushedrockhassharpirregushylaredgesnatureshymaderiverrock(alsoknownasnaturalpebbles)isroundedThinkaboutwhereitwillbeusedForhighshytrafficareassuchaspathsandpatiosusemanmadecrushedrockBecausethepiecesbindtogetherwelltheycreateamorestablesurfaceforwalkshyingThemostcommonsizeis38inchanallshypurposegravelthatrsquosalsogoodasamulcharoundplantingsForasoftersurfaceunderbarefeetuse14shyinchorfinernaturalpebblesForlowshytrafficareasriverrockisanattractivechoicebutthelargersmootherpiecesarelessstableunderfootthancrushedrock
YoucangreenupsurfacescoveredwithstoneorcobblesbyplantingmatshyforminggroundcoversbetweenthepaversGoodchoicesforthisuseincludecreepingthyme(shownatfarupperright)Dymondia margaretaewhichformsatightmatofnarrowgrayshygreenleavesandtinyyellowflowersinsummerandsnowshyinshysummer(Cerastium tomentosum)adensetuftymatofsilverygrayfoliagewithsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer
12 Sunset
7waystouseporouspaving1 golden gravelInthisLosAngelesgardenabaseofwarm-toned34-inchgravelmakesaboldvisualdistinctionfromsurroundinggreen-eryincludingdrought-tolerantblue Senecio mandraliscae 2 shale and pavers FracturedshalefillsgapsbetweenconcretepaversinagardeninAlamoCAyarrowandgrassessoftenpathrsquosedges3 classic filler Drought-tolerantcreep-ingthymegrows3inchestallandrootsasitspreadstofillspacesbetweenflagstonepavers4 woodsy pathSpacedconcreteldquostonesrdquocurvethroughagardeninGigHarborWA5 fit for a fireside lsquoPaprikarsquoyarrowandlsquoWalkerrsquosLowrsquocatmintedgeasecludedgravelseatingareainCalifor-niarsquoswinecountry6 paired materials Edgedwithpaleflag-stoneahalf-inchofdecomposedgraniteoveracompactedbaseformsawell-drainingsurfaceinthisgardeninRanchoMirageCAPaloverdeagavesopuntiacactus
1
7
2
6Clo
ck
wis
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eft
Ste
ven
A
Gu
nth
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ho
ma
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Sto
ry
je
nn
ifer
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eun
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up
iter
Im
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au
sla
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Th
om
as
J S
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tev
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G
un
ther
Th
om
as
J S
tor
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 13
4
5
3
1
CLO
CK
WIS
E F
RO
M T
OP
LE
FT T
ho
ma
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Sto
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cr
aig
d w
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or
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Pla
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Sto
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att
Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
2
EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
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needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Shadingshowsverticalwettingpatternnoticehowmuchdeeperwatergoesinsandysoilthaninclay
Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
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eft
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Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
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eft
Ro
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Br
od
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Sp
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oy
AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
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Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
2 Sunset
Agorgeousmixoflow-waterplantsincludingCaliforniafescuecarexcatminterigeronlsquoGarnetpenstemonlavenderMexicanbushsageMorningLight
miscanthusandrosemary
GreatgardensforaneweraIn the West waterisaspreciousasgoldMostofourrainfallcomesinwinteryetmanygardenplantsneedirrigationinsummerduringourdriestmonthsSeasonaldroughtsgroundwaterpollushytionandpopulationgrowthstressthisvaluableresourceIfwearetohaveenoughwaterinthefuturewemustavoidwastingwaterinourhomesandgardenstoday
OfthewaterWesternersuseathomeabout50percentgoestogardensSothemostimportantplacetostartaconservashytionprogramisrightoutsideourdoorsFortunatelywaterconservationdoesnrsquotmeansettlingforabarrenlandscapeitmeanspracticinggoodgardeningChoosshyingplantswelladaptedtoyourclimateimprovingyoursoilwateringefficientlyandtakingadvantageofthelatestirrigashytiontechnologyallhelpsavewater
PlantsthatrequirelesswaterarewidelyavailableatnurseriesTheSunset Western Garden Book Sunset Western LandshyscapingandtheonlineSunset PlantFindertool(sunsetcomplantfinder) canprovideyouwithlistsandplans
Inthisbookletweoffermanywaystosavewaterinyourgardenincludingwateringstrategiesbasedonsoiltypesmartuseofwateringdevicesandadviceaboutselectinganefficientirrigationsystemforyourgarden
Contents4 Low-water landscape design
Elementsofadrygardenplantsforallclimatesplantingplanspermeablesurfaces
14 Efficient irrigation Manualwateringsprinklersdripsystemschoosingtherightsystem
26 Water savings Mulchbasicsrainwaterharvestingputtingitalltogether
32 Where to get help ProfessionalstoconsultandwebsitestobrowseSa
xo
n H
olt
EasyWater-WiseGardening 3
Design Elementsofalow-waterlandscapeA dry garden can be as inviting as any other Drought is a fact of lifeintheWestItrsquospartofthenaturalweathercycleThatswhywaterconservationshouldbeapartofeveryWesternerrsquoslifestyleHappilyawellshydesignedwatershywiselandscapecanbelushandcolorfulandwillmakeyourhomeabeautifulandinvitingplace
StartbyleavingmoreareasunplantedthanyouwouldifyoulivedinawetterclimatemdashabigwatersavingsrightoffthetopMakethepathsgenerousandputgravelunderseatingareasinsteadofplantingagroundcoverUsedecomposedgraniteinplaceofthirstylawngrassThenplanttheremainingspaceswithornamenshytalsthatareadaptedtoaridclimatesFinallytohighlightwaterrsquosreveredstatusintheunthirstygardenaddafewtracesofitsomerealsomeillusoryafountainthatbarelytricklesadrystreambedthatawaitsthenextdownpouroralovelyurn
8WatershysavingbasicsFollow these guidelines for a water-efficient garden 1 IMPROVE THE SOIL Routinelycultivatethesoilinyourvegetableandannualbedsincorporat-ingorganicmattersuchascompostDoingsoimprovesthesoilrsquosabilitytoretainmoistureMostlandscapeplants(treesshrubsandnativeplantsespecially)establishfasterwhenplantedinnativesoilswithouttheadditionofamendmentsIfyoursoilissandyorrockyyoumayneedtoaddcompost2 plant in the right place Locateunthirstyplantswheretheyrsquollgetthesun(orshade)expo-sureandsoildrainagetheyneedGroupplantsthathavesimilarwaterneedssononegetstoolittleortoomuchwater3 Shrink the lawn MostlawngrassesneedenormousamountsofwatertostaygreenandlushReduceyourlawnrsquossizeormdashunlessyouneeditforkidstoplayonmdasheliminateitaltogether4 CONTROL WEEDS ThesegardenintrudersstealwaterneededbydesirableplantsRegu-larlyhoeorpullthemoutwhentheyrsquoreyoungoruselandscapefabricsandmulchestodiscouragegrowth
5 Upgrade your irrigation system Addelementssuchassmartcontrollersconnectedtoweatherstationsandnewhighlyefficientsprinklersordripemitterstomakeprecisionwater-ingmucheasier(Seepages16ndash21)6 WATER DEEPLYIrrigateestablishedplantsthor-oughlybutinfrequentlytoencouragerootstogrowdownwardtheywillbebufferedfromthewet-drycycletypicaloftheuppersoilareaandmaytapintogroundwater7 IRRIGATE EFFI CIENTLYMakesureyourwateringpracticesanddevicesareasefficientaspossibleWaterplantsonlywhenneedednotbythecalendarorclockWateratnightwhenevaporationismuchlowerandtheairgener-allycalmerTightenfaucetssotheydonrsquotleakAvoidrunoffandwastefuloverspray8 MULCHCoverbaregroundaroundeachplantwitha3-inchlayerofmulchtohelpconservesoilmoisturesuppressweedsandkeepthesoilcoolerrenewannuallyOrganictypessuchasbarkchipsshreddedbarkorcompostimprovethesoilastheybreakdownandencouragebeneficialmicrobes(Seepages26ndash27)
PermeablepavingStripsofelfinthymeandArmeria maritima dissecttheflagstonepavingleadingtothefrontdoorsoakinguprainfallanddirectingexcesstotheyardoneitherside
NolawnUsingatapestryofgroundcoversinsteadofthirstyturftolandscapethefrontyardsavespreciouswaterdesignJeffreyGordonSmithLandscapeArchitectureLosOsosCA ( jgsdesignscom)
DripirrigationLow-flowirrigationisthemostefficientwaytowaterplantsmdashtherersquosnorunofforevaporationItrsquosalsothehealthiestsystemforplantsbecausethewaterpenetratesdeeplyintothesoilencouragingplantrootstodothesame
XericplantsNativeandMediterraneanplantssuchasthemanzanitayarrowEuphorbiaandKniphofia picturedarewelladaptedtotheWestTheyrequirelittlewaterandmaintenanceandtheirblue-greengray-greenfoliagelooksrightinourlight
MulchAthicklayerofmulchhelpspreservesoilmoistureButitcanalsoenhancedesigncreatingnegativespacethatmakesplantgroupingsorindividualspecimensstandout
Ste
ve
n A
Gu
nth
er
4 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 5
EasyWater-WiseGardening 7
Design
LowwaterhighstyleCombine flowering and foliage plants for a colorful allshyseason garden Water-thrifty gardensdeliveralltheboldformsandcolorsoftraditionallandshyscapesbutwithminimalresourcesandalotlesseffortAswithanygardentheyincorporatealltheelementsnecessaryforoutdoorlivingandentertainingPathsandpatiostogivethegardenformanddirecshytionArborsandtrellisestohelpdividethegardenintoroomsandtocreateshadeBenchesandoutdoorfurnishingsforcomfortButthatrsquoswherethesimilaritytoconventionallandscapesends
ThegardenspicturedherearedesignedtothriveonlittlemorethanrainfallbuttheyoffermanyotheradvantagesbeyondconservingmoistureDroughtshytolerantplantsdonrsquotrequiremuchifanyfertilizersotheytendtogrowataratethatrsquoseasytomanagewithoutconstantpruningBecausetheyproducelessgreenwastetheycontributelesstolandfillsInaddishytion manydroughtshytolerantplantsespeshyciallyWesternnativesattractbirdsandbutterflieswhichcometodineoninsectpestsortosipnectar
ItrsquospossibletohaveagardenthatrsquosbothwatershyconservingandbeautifulwithplentyoflushfoliageandagenerousdoseofseasonalflowersAllofthegardenspicturedarerichtapestriesofcolorandmotionthankstotheirdiversepalettesofcarefullychosennativesperennialsornashymentalgrassesshrubsorsucculents
Watershywisegardenstakeabitmoreplanningthanordinarylandscapesbutovertimetheyoffersignificantsavingsinlaborcostsmdashandofcoursewater
5greatwatershywisedetails1 BRIGHT COLORS YellowcolumbineredvalerianandlavendercatmintbloomamidaseaofmownbuffalograssinaNewMexicogardenAclusterofaspentreesprovideslightshadeforthecolumbine2 FOLIAGE TEXTURE StrongarchitecturaldetailssetthestageforthisSeattlegardenfilledwithbillowygrassesandperennialsAlongthegravelpathgiantfeathergrass(Stipa gigantea)andmaidengrasscreatecloudsofstrappyfoliagebesidecatnipandSpan-ishlavender3 BOLD SHAPESGoldenbarrelcactusappeartomarchalongthetopofarockwallbetweenfine-texturedpurpleDalea greggii plantsAnAgave weberi addsdramabehindthemwhilebluepaloverdeanddesertiron-woodtreessoftenthehousewalls4 LUSH PLANTINGSInaSanDiegogardenadenseborderonaslopeisfilledwithlargenativebouldersFromthefrontarebrightgreenaeoniumyellowpincushion(Leucospermum)yellowCotula coronopifolia varie- 1gatedFurcraea foetida lsquoMediopictarsquoandared-floweringivygeranium5 TWIST ON TRADITION AsuburbanfrontyardinLongBeachCAplantedwithdarkgreenCarex pansaiswateredonlyonceaweekinsummerandmowedjustfourtimesayear
32
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Design
PlantsforallclimatesChoose ornamentals that thrive in your region While local nativesarebestsuitedtomostsitesothergoodchoicesincludedroughtshytolerantplantsfromallcornersoftheworldSomeofthemostwatershywiseoptionsarenativetotheSouthwestdesertsOthersarefromthefiveMeditershyraneanclimateregionsmdashCaliforniatheMediterraneanbasinSouthAfricasouthshywesternAustraliaandthecentralcoastofChilemdashwhererainsarespareandsummersarewarmanddry
ManyoftheseplantssharecharacterisshyticsthathelpthemsurviveperiodsofintenseheatandlowrainfallTheymayhavegrayorvelvetyleavesthatreflectheatsucculentleavesstemsandrootsthatstorewaterorneedlelikeleaveswhosesmallsurfacearealimitsthepotenshytialforwaterlossOrtheymaygodormantduringthehottestmonthsoftheyear
WatershywiseplantshavedifferentdegreesofdroughttolerancePlantsthatthriveon30inchesofrainintheNorthwestforinstancewillwitherinaSouthwestgardenwheretheaveragerainfallis10inchesorlessDoyourhomeworkbeforefinalizingplantchoicesthengroupplantsintozonesbytheirwaterneedsPlacethirstier(andoftenshowier)plantsnearshyestthehouseorinotherhighshyvisibilityspotslessthirstyplantsinthebackgroundMakesureyourirrigationplansupportseachzoneindependentlyoftheothers
AvoidthemistakeofthinkingthatsometypesofplantsneverneedwateringAllplantsnativeornotneedregulardeepirrigationsthroughthefirstyeartohelptheirrootsbecomeestablishedSomeneedmoistureintothesecondyearbutbythenmanydofinewithonlyanoccasionaldeepwateringAbitofresearchandconsultingwithyourlocalnurseryorcooperativeextensionservicewillhelpyoufigureouthowmuchwateryourplantsneed
Sunset
7greatwatershywiseplantings1 LOW SPREADING Ceanshyothus griseuslsquoKurtZadnikrsquoisacolorfulgroundcoverthatgrows2to3feettalland6feetwideormoreSpringflowersaredeepblue2 WATER-WISE AND FIRE-WISEInaSanDiegondashareagardenspacesbetweenbouldersarefilledwithadeeppinkrose-scentedgeraniumwhitenutmeg-scentedgeraniumandpurplesweet-peashrub3 wildlife magnet Coneflower(Echinacea)isatoughperennialwithdaisy-likeflowersinpinklavender-purpleyelloworangeandwhiteBeesandbutterflieslovetovisitthebeehive-shapedcentersfornectarfinchesvisitlaterforseeds4 EASY TO GROW Hornedpoppy(Glaucium flavum) producesrosettesofcrin-klygray-greenleavestoppedbyorangetobrightyellowblooms5 BRIGHT BERRIESTall(usuallyto10feet)denseToyonputsonabrightshowinwinterwhenredberriesenveloptheshrub6 BOLD FOLIAGECloudsoflime-coloredflowersonEuphorbia characias wulfeniicontrastwithchocolate-huedAeonium arboreum lsquoZwartkoprsquotocreatedramainaSanClementeCAgarden7 SHAPE AND TEXTURE Mediterranean-climateplantsfillagardenborderinarainshadowalongWashingtonrsquosPugetSoundTheyincludeAster lsquoMoumlnchrsquoandSchizostylis coccinea lsquoOregonSunsetrsquoframedagainstlsquoGoldSwordrsquoNewZealandflaxBehindistallairyVerbena bonariensis
6clo
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 9
4
578
Design
Low-waterplantingplansBrighten a garden bed with herbs for your kitchen or berries and flowers for birds The best plants forlowshywatergardensnotonlyenliventhelandscapeandthriveonlittlewateronceestablishedtheyhaveotherbenefitsaswellWoodyperennialherbssuchasrosemarysageandthymemdashallnativetotheMediterranean
Chives
CommonsageCatmint
Lemonthyme
Pocketshysizeherbsamplerregionmdashproduceleavesthatcanbeused Just48squarefeetisspaceenoughforadiverseassortmentoffreshordriedtoflavormeatsoupsand scentedherbsplusacompatiblefragrantroseSevenoftheninestewsInbedsandborderstheycombine herbshaveculinaryusesmakingthisplantingespeciallyappealshywellwithbloomingperennialssuchas ingtocooks(particularlyifitrsquoslocatednearakitchendoor)Theblueshyfloweredcatmintandsunnyyellow twononculinarychoicesmdashlavendercottonandcatmintmdashaddtopatioroses theplotrsquosbeautywiththeirsofttexturesandequallysoftgrayshy
Unthirstyshrubsandperennialsthat greentograyshywhiteleafcolorInfactmuchofthisgardenrsquospumpoutflowersberriesorseedsinvite charmderivesfromitsvariedfoliagecolorsandtexturesconspicshyallkindsofbirdstoyourgardenbringingit uousflowersappearchieflyonthechivescatmintlavenderalivewithbeautyandmotion(Birdsalso cottonrosemaryandrosefeastonpestinsects)
YoucanreshycreateoneoftheborderspicturedatrightinyourowngardenThebesttimetoplantisearlyfallbeforerainscome(theyrsquollhelpirrigatethenewtransshyplantsforfree)LocatebothbedsinfullsunThebrightherbsamplerisdesignedtofitasmall(8shyby6shyfoot)spaceThebirdscapeisbackedwiththreebillowyshrubsthatneedmoreroomtosprawl
ThetotalnumberofeachplantneededisindicatedaftereachplantintheldquoPlantListsrdquofarright
Blanketflower Black-eyedSusan
Fountaingrass Firethorn
WesternbirdscapeThissmallplantingdesignissuitedtomildshywinterareasofCalishyforniaandtheSouthwestdesertsThoughitlackstreesandawateringholeitoffersmostoftheinducementsthatbirdscraveberriesseedsandshelterTheirresistibleluremdashaslegionsofgardenershavecometoknowmdashistheyearlycropoffirethornberriesbutthegardenrsquosfeatheredpatronswillalsofeastonthefruitsoflantanaheavenlybamboocotoneasterandElaeagnus SeedshyeaterswillappreciatethebountyofcoreopsisblanketflowerblackshyeyedSusanandfountaingrassTheshrubsallaffordampleshelter
10 Sunset
op
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Plantingarea8x6
PlantlistA Chives(Allium F Rose(lsquoSunspritersquo)1schoenoprasum)3 G Rosemary(RosmarishyB Frenchtarragon nus officinalis)1(Artemisia H Commonsagedracunculus)4 (Salvia officinalis C Catmint(Nepeta x lsquoIcterinarsquo)1faassenii)3 I LavendercottonD Sweetmarjoram (Santolina chamaecypashy(Origanum majorana rissuslsquoNanarsquo)3Majorana hortensis)1 J LemonthymeE Oregano(Origanum (Thymus x citriodorus)vulgare)2 lsquoAureusrsquo1
c b a
h f g
f
e i d
g c
Plantingarea25x18
PlantlistA Elaeagnus x F Black-eyedSusanebbingei1 (Rudbeckia fulgida sullishyB Firethorn(Pyracanshy vantii lsquoGoldsturmrsquo)11tha coccinealsquoKasanrsquo1 G FountaingrassC Lantana (Pennisetum lsquoRadiationrsquo3+ setaceum) 6D Heavenly H Blanketflowerbamboo (Nandina (Gaillardia x grandishydomestica) 2 flora)5E Willowleafcoto- I Coreopsis grandiflora neaster(Cotoneaster lsquoSunburstrsquo4salicifoliuslsquoEmeraldCarpetrsquo)2+
EasyWater-WiseGardening 11
andbarrelcactusthriveintheflankinggravelpatches7 Pocket patio A7-footcircleofbrickssetintoabaseofcompactedsandiseasytomoveandadaptfordifferentpurposes
Design
PermeablesurfacesLet rainfall percolate down to plant roots Paths and patiosthatarepavedwithgraveldecomposedgranitespacedflagshystonesorporousconcretearethebestchoicesforwatershyconservinggardensPermeablepavingmaterialsaddbeautyandstructuretothegardenandofcourserequirenoirrigationthemselvesMoreshyovertheyallowrainwaterandirrigationtopassthroughthemandintothesoilpreventingrunoffthatcanclogstormdrainsandpollutenearbylakesstreamsandcoastalwaters
IfyoursquoreconsideringgravelvisityourlocallandscapesupplyyardtoexperiencethelookandfeelofdifferenttypesGravelreferstorocksranginginsizefrom18inchto112inchesItcomesintwoformsManmadecrushedrockhassharpirregushylaredgesnatureshymaderiverrock(alsoknownasnaturalpebbles)isroundedThinkaboutwhereitwillbeusedForhighshytrafficareassuchaspathsandpatiosusemanmadecrushedrockBecausethepiecesbindtogetherwelltheycreateamorestablesurfaceforwalkshyingThemostcommonsizeis38inchanallshypurposegravelthatrsquosalsogoodasamulcharoundplantingsForasoftersurfaceunderbarefeetuse14shyinchorfinernaturalpebblesForlowshytrafficareasriverrockisanattractivechoicebutthelargersmootherpiecesarelessstableunderfootthancrushedrock
YoucangreenupsurfacescoveredwithstoneorcobblesbyplantingmatshyforminggroundcoversbetweenthepaversGoodchoicesforthisuseincludecreepingthyme(shownatfarupperright)Dymondia margaretaewhichformsatightmatofnarrowgrayshygreenleavesandtinyyellowflowersinsummerandsnowshyinshysummer(Cerastium tomentosum)adensetuftymatofsilverygrayfoliagewithsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer
12 Sunset
7waystouseporouspaving1 golden gravelInthisLosAngelesgardenabaseofwarm-toned34-inchgravelmakesaboldvisualdistinctionfromsurroundinggreen-eryincludingdrought-tolerantblue Senecio mandraliscae 2 shale and pavers FracturedshalefillsgapsbetweenconcretepaversinagardeninAlamoCAyarrowandgrassessoftenpathrsquosedges3 classic filler Drought-tolerantcreep-ingthymegrows3inchestallandrootsasitspreadstofillspacesbetweenflagstonepavers4 woodsy pathSpacedconcreteldquostonesrdquocurvethroughagardeninGigHarborWA5 fit for a fireside lsquoPaprikarsquoyarrowandlsquoWalkerrsquosLowrsquocatmintedgeasecludedgravelseatingareainCalifor-niarsquoswinecountry6 paired materials Edgedwithpaleflag-stoneahalf-inchofdecomposedgraniteoveracompactedbaseformsawell-drainingsurfaceinthisgardeninRanchoMirageCAPaloverdeagavesopuntiacactus
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 13
4
5
3
1
CLO
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WIS
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RO
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Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
2
EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
CK
WIS
E F
RO
M T
OP
LE
FT G
EO
RG
E O
LSO
N T
HO
MA
S J
STO
RY
EM
AH
AR
T (2
)
IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
OM
LE
FT S
tev
en
A g
un
the
r T
ho
ma
s J
Sto
ry
needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
Ab
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Ill
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Shadingshowsverticalwettingpatternnoticehowmuchdeeperwatergoesinsandysoilthaninclay
Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
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HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
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How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
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PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
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Design Elementsofalow-waterlandscapeA dry garden can be as inviting as any other Drought is a fact of lifeintheWestItrsquospartofthenaturalweathercycleThatswhywaterconservationshouldbeapartofeveryWesternerrsquoslifestyleHappilyawellshydesignedwatershywiselandscapecanbelushandcolorfulandwillmakeyourhomeabeautifulandinvitingplace
StartbyleavingmoreareasunplantedthanyouwouldifyoulivedinawetterclimatemdashabigwatersavingsrightoffthetopMakethepathsgenerousandputgravelunderseatingareasinsteadofplantingagroundcoverUsedecomposedgraniteinplaceofthirstylawngrassThenplanttheremainingspaceswithornamenshytalsthatareadaptedtoaridclimatesFinallytohighlightwaterrsquosreveredstatusintheunthirstygardenaddafewtracesofitsomerealsomeillusoryafountainthatbarelytricklesadrystreambedthatawaitsthenextdownpouroralovelyurn
8WatershysavingbasicsFollow these guidelines for a water-efficient garden 1 IMPROVE THE SOIL Routinelycultivatethesoilinyourvegetableandannualbedsincorporat-ingorganicmattersuchascompostDoingsoimprovesthesoilrsquosabilitytoretainmoistureMostlandscapeplants(treesshrubsandnativeplantsespecially)establishfasterwhenplantedinnativesoilswithouttheadditionofamendmentsIfyoursoilissandyorrockyyoumayneedtoaddcompost2 plant in the right place Locateunthirstyplantswheretheyrsquollgetthesun(orshade)expo-sureandsoildrainagetheyneedGroupplantsthathavesimilarwaterneedssononegetstoolittleortoomuchwater3 Shrink the lawn MostlawngrassesneedenormousamountsofwatertostaygreenandlushReduceyourlawnrsquossizeormdashunlessyouneeditforkidstoplayonmdasheliminateitaltogether4 CONTROL WEEDS ThesegardenintrudersstealwaterneededbydesirableplantsRegu-larlyhoeorpullthemoutwhentheyrsquoreyoungoruselandscapefabricsandmulchestodiscouragegrowth
5 Upgrade your irrigation system Addelementssuchassmartcontrollersconnectedtoweatherstationsandnewhighlyefficientsprinklersordripemitterstomakeprecisionwater-ingmucheasier(Seepages16ndash21)6 WATER DEEPLYIrrigateestablishedplantsthor-oughlybutinfrequentlytoencouragerootstogrowdownwardtheywillbebufferedfromthewet-drycycletypicaloftheuppersoilareaandmaytapintogroundwater7 IRRIGATE EFFI CIENTLYMakesureyourwateringpracticesanddevicesareasefficientaspossibleWaterplantsonlywhenneedednotbythecalendarorclockWateratnightwhenevaporationismuchlowerandtheairgener-allycalmerTightenfaucetssotheydonrsquotleakAvoidrunoffandwastefuloverspray8 MULCHCoverbaregroundaroundeachplantwitha3-inchlayerofmulchtohelpconservesoilmoisturesuppressweedsandkeepthesoilcoolerrenewannuallyOrganictypessuchasbarkchipsshreddedbarkorcompostimprovethesoilastheybreakdownandencouragebeneficialmicrobes(Seepages26ndash27)
PermeablepavingStripsofelfinthymeandArmeria maritima dissecttheflagstonepavingleadingtothefrontdoorsoakinguprainfallanddirectingexcesstotheyardoneitherside
NolawnUsingatapestryofgroundcoversinsteadofthirstyturftolandscapethefrontyardsavespreciouswaterdesignJeffreyGordonSmithLandscapeArchitectureLosOsosCA ( jgsdesignscom)
DripirrigationLow-flowirrigationisthemostefficientwaytowaterplantsmdashtherersquosnorunofforevaporationItrsquosalsothehealthiestsystemforplantsbecausethewaterpenetratesdeeplyintothesoilencouragingplantrootstodothesame
XericplantsNativeandMediterraneanplantssuchasthemanzanitayarrowEuphorbiaandKniphofia picturedarewelladaptedtotheWestTheyrequirelittlewaterandmaintenanceandtheirblue-greengray-greenfoliagelooksrightinourlight
MulchAthicklayerofmulchhelpspreservesoilmoistureButitcanalsoenhancedesigncreatingnegativespacethatmakesplantgroupingsorindividualspecimensstandout
Ste
ve
n A
Gu
nth
er
4 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 5
EasyWater-WiseGardening 7
Design
LowwaterhighstyleCombine flowering and foliage plants for a colorful allshyseason garden Water-thrifty gardensdeliveralltheboldformsandcolorsoftraditionallandshyscapesbutwithminimalresourcesandalotlesseffortAswithanygardentheyincorporatealltheelementsnecessaryforoutdoorlivingandentertainingPathsandpatiostogivethegardenformanddirecshytionArborsandtrellisestohelpdividethegardenintoroomsandtocreateshadeBenchesandoutdoorfurnishingsforcomfortButthatrsquoswherethesimilaritytoconventionallandscapesends
ThegardenspicturedherearedesignedtothriveonlittlemorethanrainfallbuttheyoffermanyotheradvantagesbeyondconservingmoistureDroughtshytolerantplantsdonrsquotrequiremuchifanyfertilizersotheytendtogrowataratethatrsquoseasytomanagewithoutconstantpruningBecausetheyproducelessgreenwastetheycontributelesstolandfillsInaddishytion manydroughtshytolerantplantsespeshyciallyWesternnativesattractbirdsandbutterflieswhichcometodineoninsectpestsortosipnectar
ItrsquospossibletohaveagardenthatrsquosbothwatershyconservingandbeautifulwithplentyoflushfoliageandagenerousdoseofseasonalflowersAllofthegardenspicturedarerichtapestriesofcolorandmotionthankstotheirdiversepalettesofcarefullychosennativesperennialsornashymentalgrassesshrubsorsucculents
Watershywisegardenstakeabitmoreplanningthanordinarylandscapesbutovertimetheyoffersignificantsavingsinlaborcostsmdashandofcoursewater
5greatwatershywisedetails1 BRIGHT COLORS YellowcolumbineredvalerianandlavendercatmintbloomamidaseaofmownbuffalograssinaNewMexicogardenAclusterofaspentreesprovideslightshadeforthecolumbine2 FOLIAGE TEXTURE StrongarchitecturaldetailssetthestageforthisSeattlegardenfilledwithbillowygrassesandperennialsAlongthegravelpathgiantfeathergrass(Stipa gigantea)andmaidengrasscreatecloudsofstrappyfoliagebesidecatnipandSpan-ishlavender3 BOLD SHAPESGoldenbarrelcactusappeartomarchalongthetopofarockwallbetweenfine-texturedpurpleDalea greggii plantsAnAgave weberi addsdramabehindthemwhilebluepaloverdeanddesertiron-woodtreessoftenthehousewalls4 LUSH PLANTINGSInaSanDiegogardenadenseborderonaslopeisfilledwithlargenativebouldersFromthefrontarebrightgreenaeoniumyellowpincushion(Leucospermum)yellowCotula coronopifolia varie- 1gatedFurcraea foetida lsquoMediopictarsquoandared-floweringivygeranium5 TWIST ON TRADITION AsuburbanfrontyardinLongBeachCAplantedwithdarkgreenCarex pansaiswateredonlyonceaweekinsummerandmowedjustfourtimesayear
32
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ck
wis
e fr
om
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p l
eft
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xo
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olt
an
dr
ew d
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ke
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or
ch
ner
de
sig
n w
or
ksh
op
bo
b w
iga
nd
sa
xo
n h
olt
5 4Sunset6
1
2 3
Design
PlantsforallclimatesChoose ornamentals that thrive in your region While local nativesarebestsuitedtomostsitesothergoodchoicesincludedroughtshytolerantplantsfromallcornersoftheworldSomeofthemostwatershywiseoptionsarenativetotheSouthwestdesertsOthersarefromthefiveMeditershyraneanclimateregionsmdashCaliforniatheMediterraneanbasinSouthAfricasouthshywesternAustraliaandthecentralcoastofChilemdashwhererainsarespareandsummersarewarmanddry
ManyoftheseplantssharecharacterisshyticsthathelpthemsurviveperiodsofintenseheatandlowrainfallTheymayhavegrayorvelvetyleavesthatreflectheatsucculentleavesstemsandrootsthatstorewaterorneedlelikeleaveswhosesmallsurfacearealimitsthepotenshytialforwaterlossOrtheymaygodormantduringthehottestmonthsoftheyear
WatershywiseplantshavedifferentdegreesofdroughttolerancePlantsthatthriveon30inchesofrainintheNorthwestforinstancewillwitherinaSouthwestgardenwheretheaveragerainfallis10inchesorlessDoyourhomeworkbeforefinalizingplantchoicesthengroupplantsintozonesbytheirwaterneedsPlacethirstier(andoftenshowier)plantsnearshyestthehouseorinotherhighshyvisibilityspotslessthirstyplantsinthebackgroundMakesureyourirrigationplansupportseachzoneindependentlyoftheothers
AvoidthemistakeofthinkingthatsometypesofplantsneverneedwateringAllplantsnativeornotneedregulardeepirrigationsthroughthefirstyeartohelptheirrootsbecomeestablishedSomeneedmoistureintothesecondyearbutbythenmanydofinewithonlyanoccasionaldeepwateringAbitofresearchandconsultingwithyourlocalnurseryorcooperativeextensionservicewillhelpyoufigureouthowmuchwateryourplantsneed
Sunset
7greatwatershywiseplantings1 LOW SPREADING Ceanshyothus griseuslsquoKurtZadnikrsquoisacolorfulgroundcoverthatgrows2to3feettalland6feetwideormoreSpringflowersaredeepblue2 WATER-WISE AND FIRE-WISEInaSanDiegondashareagardenspacesbetweenbouldersarefilledwithadeeppinkrose-scentedgeraniumwhitenutmeg-scentedgeraniumandpurplesweet-peashrub3 wildlife magnet Coneflower(Echinacea)isatoughperennialwithdaisy-likeflowersinpinklavender-purpleyelloworangeandwhiteBeesandbutterflieslovetovisitthebeehive-shapedcentersfornectarfinchesvisitlaterforseeds4 EASY TO GROW Hornedpoppy(Glaucium flavum) producesrosettesofcrin-klygray-greenleavestoppedbyorangetobrightyellowblooms5 BRIGHT BERRIESTall(usuallyto10feet)denseToyonputsonabrightshowinwinterwhenredberriesenveloptheshrub6 BOLD FOLIAGECloudsoflime-coloredflowersonEuphorbia characias wulfeniicontrastwithchocolate-huedAeonium arboreum lsquoZwartkoprsquotocreatedramainaSanClementeCAgarden7 SHAPE AND TEXTURE Mediterranean-climateplantsfillagardenborderinarainshadowalongWashingtonrsquosPugetSoundTheyincludeAster lsquoMoumlnchrsquoandSchizostylis coccinea lsquoOregonSunsetrsquoframedagainstlsquoGoldSwordrsquoNewZealandflaxBehindistallairyVerbena bonariensis
6clo
ck
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e fr
om
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eft
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b w
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ther
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iga
nd
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) j
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nd
EasyWater-WiseGardening 9
4
578
Design
Low-waterplantingplansBrighten a garden bed with herbs for your kitchen or berries and flowers for birds The best plants forlowshywatergardensnotonlyenliventhelandscapeandthriveonlittlewateronceestablishedtheyhaveotherbenefitsaswellWoodyperennialherbssuchasrosemarysageandthymemdashallnativetotheMediterranean
Chives
CommonsageCatmint
Lemonthyme
Pocketshysizeherbsamplerregionmdashproduceleavesthatcanbeused Just48squarefeetisspaceenoughforadiverseassortmentoffreshordriedtoflavormeatsoupsand scentedherbsplusacompatiblefragrantroseSevenoftheninestewsInbedsandborderstheycombine herbshaveculinaryusesmakingthisplantingespeciallyappealshywellwithbloomingperennialssuchas ingtocooks(particularlyifitrsquoslocatednearakitchendoor)Theblueshyfloweredcatmintandsunnyyellow twononculinarychoicesmdashlavendercottonandcatmintmdashaddtopatioroses theplotrsquosbeautywiththeirsofttexturesandequallysoftgrayshy
Unthirstyshrubsandperennialsthat greentograyshywhiteleafcolorInfactmuchofthisgardenrsquospumpoutflowersberriesorseedsinvite charmderivesfromitsvariedfoliagecolorsandtexturesconspicshyallkindsofbirdstoyourgardenbringingit uousflowersappearchieflyonthechivescatmintlavenderalivewithbeautyandmotion(Birdsalso cottonrosemaryandrosefeastonpestinsects)
YoucanreshycreateoneoftheborderspicturedatrightinyourowngardenThebesttimetoplantisearlyfallbeforerainscome(theyrsquollhelpirrigatethenewtransshyplantsforfree)LocatebothbedsinfullsunThebrightherbsamplerisdesignedtofitasmall(8shyby6shyfoot)spaceThebirdscapeisbackedwiththreebillowyshrubsthatneedmoreroomtosprawl
ThetotalnumberofeachplantneededisindicatedaftereachplantintheldquoPlantListsrdquofarright
Blanketflower Black-eyedSusan
Fountaingrass Firethorn
WesternbirdscapeThissmallplantingdesignissuitedtomildshywinterareasofCalishyforniaandtheSouthwestdesertsThoughitlackstreesandawateringholeitoffersmostoftheinducementsthatbirdscraveberriesseedsandshelterTheirresistibleluremdashaslegionsofgardenershavecometoknowmdashistheyearlycropoffirethornberriesbutthegardenrsquosfeatheredpatronswillalsofeastonthefruitsoflantanaheavenlybamboocotoneasterandElaeagnus SeedshyeaterswillappreciatethebountyofcoreopsisblanketflowerblackshyeyedSusanandfountaingrassTheshrubsallaffordampleshelter
10 Sunset
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po
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ck
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e f
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Plantingarea8x6
PlantlistA Chives(Allium F Rose(lsquoSunspritersquo)1schoenoprasum)3 G Rosemary(RosmarishyB Frenchtarragon nus officinalis)1(Artemisia H Commonsagedracunculus)4 (Salvia officinalis C Catmint(Nepeta x lsquoIcterinarsquo)1faassenii)3 I LavendercottonD Sweetmarjoram (Santolina chamaecypashy(Origanum majorana rissuslsquoNanarsquo)3Majorana hortensis)1 J LemonthymeE Oregano(Origanum (Thymus x citriodorus)vulgare)2 lsquoAureusrsquo1
c b a
h f g
f
e i d
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Plantingarea25x18
PlantlistA Elaeagnus x F Black-eyedSusanebbingei1 (Rudbeckia fulgida sullishyB Firethorn(Pyracanshy vantii lsquoGoldsturmrsquo)11tha coccinealsquoKasanrsquo1 G FountaingrassC Lantana (Pennisetum lsquoRadiationrsquo3+ setaceum) 6D Heavenly H Blanketflowerbamboo (Nandina (Gaillardia x grandishydomestica) 2 flora)5E Willowleafcoto- I Coreopsis grandiflora neaster(Cotoneaster lsquoSunburstrsquo4salicifoliuslsquoEmeraldCarpetrsquo)2+
EasyWater-WiseGardening 11
andbarrelcactusthriveintheflankinggravelpatches7 Pocket patio A7-footcircleofbrickssetintoabaseofcompactedsandiseasytomoveandadaptfordifferentpurposes
Design
PermeablesurfacesLet rainfall percolate down to plant roots Paths and patiosthatarepavedwithgraveldecomposedgranitespacedflagshystonesorporousconcretearethebestchoicesforwatershyconservinggardensPermeablepavingmaterialsaddbeautyandstructuretothegardenandofcourserequirenoirrigationthemselvesMoreshyovertheyallowrainwaterandirrigationtopassthroughthemandintothesoilpreventingrunoffthatcanclogstormdrainsandpollutenearbylakesstreamsandcoastalwaters
IfyoursquoreconsideringgravelvisityourlocallandscapesupplyyardtoexperiencethelookandfeelofdifferenttypesGravelreferstorocksranginginsizefrom18inchto112inchesItcomesintwoformsManmadecrushedrockhassharpirregushylaredgesnatureshymaderiverrock(alsoknownasnaturalpebbles)isroundedThinkaboutwhereitwillbeusedForhighshytrafficareassuchaspathsandpatiosusemanmadecrushedrockBecausethepiecesbindtogetherwelltheycreateamorestablesurfaceforwalkshyingThemostcommonsizeis38inchanallshypurposegravelthatrsquosalsogoodasamulcharoundplantingsForasoftersurfaceunderbarefeetuse14shyinchorfinernaturalpebblesForlowshytrafficareasriverrockisanattractivechoicebutthelargersmootherpiecesarelessstableunderfootthancrushedrock
YoucangreenupsurfacescoveredwithstoneorcobblesbyplantingmatshyforminggroundcoversbetweenthepaversGoodchoicesforthisuseincludecreepingthyme(shownatfarupperright)Dymondia margaretaewhichformsatightmatofnarrowgrayshygreenleavesandtinyyellowflowersinsummerandsnowshyinshysummer(Cerastium tomentosum)adensetuftymatofsilverygrayfoliagewithsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer
12 Sunset
7waystouseporouspaving1 golden gravelInthisLosAngelesgardenabaseofwarm-toned34-inchgravelmakesaboldvisualdistinctionfromsurroundinggreen-eryincludingdrought-tolerantblue Senecio mandraliscae 2 shale and pavers FracturedshalefillsgapsbetweenconcretepaversinagardeninAlamoCAyarrowandgrassessoftenpathrsquosedges3 classic filler Drought-tolerantcreep-ingthymegrows3inchestallandrootsasitspreadstofillspacesbetweenflagstonepavers4 woodsy pathSpacedconcreteldquostonesrdquocurvethroughagardeninGigHarborWA5 fit for a fireside lsquoPaprikarsquoyarrowandlsquoWalkerrsquosLowrsquocatmintedgeasecludedgravelseatingareainCalifor-niarsquoswinecountry6 paired materials Edgedwithpaleflag-stoneahalf-inchofdecomposedgraniteoveracompactedbaseformsawell-drainingsurfaceinthisgardeninRanchoMirageCAPaloverdeagavesopuntiacactus
1
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 13
4
5
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WIS
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Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
2
EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
CK
WIS
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RG
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LSO
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HO
MA
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STO
RY
EM
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AR
T (2
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
OM
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FT S
tev
en
A g
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the
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needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
Ab
ov
e c
ra
ig d
wo
od
Ill
ust
ra
tio
n a
t r
igh
t N
ik s
ch
ulz
Shadingshowsverticalwettingpatternnoticehowmuchdeeperwatergoesinsandysoilthaninclay
Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
D
F
G
F H
Clo
ck
wis
e f
ro
m t
op
rig
ht
Sa
nd
ra
Le
e R
eh
a T
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ma
s J
Sto
ry
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rm
an
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late
Jim
McC
au
sla
nd
n
or
ma
n a
pla
te T
ho
ma
s J
Sto
ry
No
rm
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(4
)
Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
fro
m l
eft
No
rm
an
A P
late
Ste
ve
n A
Gu
nth
er
Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
m L
eft
Ro
b D
Br
od
ma
n E
Sp
en
ce
r t
oy
AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
Clo
ck
wis
e f
ro
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ar
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ft C
am
ille
No
rd
gr
en
(2
) R
ob
d B
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dm
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Mc
Ca
usl
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d (
2)
THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
S
E
W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
EasyWater-WiseGardening 7
Design
LowwaterhighstyleCombine flowering and foliage plants for a colorful allshyseason garden Water-thrifty gardensdeliveralltheboldformsandcolorsoftraditionallandshyscapesbutwithminimalresourcesandalotlesseffortAswithanygardentheyincorporatealltheelementsnecessaryforoutdoorlivingandentertainingPathsandpatiostogivethegardenformanddirecshytionArborsandtrellisestohelpdividethegardenintoroomsandtocreateshadeBenchesandoutdoorfurnishingsforcomfortButthatrsquoswherethesimilaritytoconventionallandscapesends
ThegardenspicturedherearedesignedtothriveonlittlemorethanrainfallbuttheyoffermanyotheradvantagesbeyondconservingmoistureDroughtshytolerantplantsdonrsquotrequiremuchifanyfertilizersotheytendtogrowataratethatrsquoseasytomanagewithoutconstantpruningBecausetheyproducelessgreenwastetheycontributelesstolandfillsInaddishytion manydroughtshytolerantplantsespeshyciallyWesternnativesattractbirdsandbutterflieswhichcometodineoninsectpestsortosipnectar
ItrsquospossibletohaveagardenthatrsquosbothwatershyconservingandbeautifulwithplentyoflushfoliageandagenerousdoseofseasonalflowersAllofthegardenspicturedarerichtapestriesofcolorandmotionthankstotheirdiversepalettesofcarefullychosennativesperennialsornashymentalgrassesshrubsorsucculents
Watershywisegardenstakeabitmoreplanningthanordinarylandscapesbutovertimetheyoffersignificantsavingsinlaborcostsmdashandofcoursewater
5greatwatershywisedetails1 BRIGHT COLORS YellowcolumbineredvalerianandlavendercatmintbloomamidaseaofmownbuffalograssinaNewMexicogardenAclusterofaspentreesprovideslightshadeforthecolumbine2 FOLIAGE TEXTURE StrongarchitecturaldetailssetthestageforthisSeattlegardenfilledwithbillowygrassesandperennialsAlongthegravelpathgiantfeathergrass(Stipa gigantea)andmaidengrasscreatecloudsofstrappyfoliagebesidecatnipandSpan-ishlavender3 BOLD SHAPESGoldenbarrelcactusappeartomarchalongthetopofarockwallbetweenfine-texturedpurpleDalea greggii plantsAnAgave weberi addsdramabehindthemwhilebluepaloverdeanddesertiron-woodtreessoftenthehousewalls4 LUSH PLANTINGSInaSanDiegogardenadenseborderonaslopeisfilledwithlargenativebouldersFromthefrontarebrightgreenaeoniumyellowpincushion(Leucospermum)yellowCotula coronopifolia varie- 1gatedFurcraea foetida lsquoMediopictarsquoandared-floweringivygeranium5 TWIST ON TRADITION AsuburbanfrontyardinLongBeachCAplantedwithdarkgreenCarex pansaiswateredonlyonceaweekinsummerandmowedjustfourtimesayear
32
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ck
wis
e fr
om
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p l
eft
sa
xo
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olt
an
dr
ew d
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ke
da
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or
ch
ner
de
sig
n w
or
ksh
op
bo
b w
iga
nd
sa
xo
n h
olt
5 4Sunset6
1
2 3
Design
PlantsforallclimatesChoose ornamentals that thrive in your region While local nativesarebestsuitedtomostsitesothergoodchoicesincludedroughtshytolerantplantsfromallcornersoftheworldSomeofthemostwatershywiseoptionsarenativetotheSouthwestdesertsOthersarefromthefiveMeditershyraneanclimateregionsmdashCaliforniatheMediterraneanbasinSouthAfricasouthshywesternAustraliaandthecentralcoastofChilemdashwhererainsarespareandsummersarewarmanddry
ManyoftheseplantssharecharacterisshyticsthathelpthemsurviveperiodsofintenseheatandlowrainfallTheymayhavegrayorvelvetyleavesthatreflectheatsucculentleavesstemsandrootsthatstorewaterorneedlelikeleaveswhosesmallsurfacearealimitsthepotenshytialforwaterlossOrtheymaygodormantduringthehottestmonthsoftheyear
WatershywiseplantshavedifferentdegreesofdroughttolerancePlantsthatthriveon30inchesofrainintheNorthwestforinstancewillwitherinaSouthwestgardenwheretheaveragerainfallis10inchesorlessDoyourhomeworkbeforefinalizingplantchoicesthengroupplantsintozonesbytheirwaterneedsPlacethirstier(andoftenshowier)plantsnearshyestthehouseorinotherhighshyvisibilityspotslessthirstyplantsinthebackgroundMakesureyourirrigationplansupportseachzoneindependentlyoftheothers
AvoidthemistakeofthinkingthatsometypesofplantsneverneedwateringAllplantsnativeornotneedregulardeepirrigationsthroughthefirstyeartohelptheirrootsbecomeestablishedSomeneedmoistureintothesecondyearbutbythenmanydofinewithonlyanoccasionaldeepwateringAbitofresearchandconsultingwithyourlocalnurseryorcooperativeextensionservicewillhelpyoufigureouthowmuchwateryourplantsneed
Sunset
7greatwatershywiseplantings1 LOW SPREADING Ceanshyothus griseuslsquoKurtZadnikrsquoisacolorfulgroundcoverthatgrows2to3feettalland6feetwideormoreSpringflowersaredeepblue2 WATER-WISE AND FIRE-WISEInaSanDiegondashareagardenspacesbetweenbouldersarefilledwithadeeppinkrose-scentedgeraniumwhitenutmeg-scentedgeraniumandpurplesweet-peashrub3 wildlife magnet Coneflower(Echinacea)isatoughperennialwithdaisy-likeflowersinpinklavender-purpleyelloworangeandwhiteBeesandbutterflieslovetovisitthebeehive-shapedcentersfornectarfinchesvisitlaterforseeds4 EASY TO GROW Hornedpoppy(Glaucium flavum) producesrosettesofcrin-klygray-greenleavestoppedbyorangetobrightyellowblooms5 BRIGHT BERRIESTall(usuallyto10feet)denseToyonputsonabrightshowinwinterwhenredberriesenveloptheshrub6 BOLD FOLIAGECloudsoflime-coloredflowersonEuphorbia characias wulfeniicontrastwithchocolate-huedAeonium arboreum lsquoZwartkoprsquotocreatedramainaSanClementeCAgarden7 SHAPE AND TEXTURE Mediterranean-climateplantsfillagardenborderinarainshadowalongWashingtonrsquosPugetSoundTheyincludeAster lsquoMoumlnchrsquoandSchizostylis coccinea lsquoOregonSunsetrsquoframedagainstlsquoGoldSwordrsquoNewZealandflaxBehindistallairyVerbena bonariensis
6clo
ck
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e fr
om
to
p l
eft
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b w
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nd
(2
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tev
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ther
bo
b w
iga
nd
(3
) j
im m
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nd
EasyWater-WiseGardening 9
4
578
Design
Low-waterplantingplansBrighten a garden bed with herbs for your kitchen or berries and flowers for birds The best plants forlowshywatergardensnotonlyenliventhelandscapeandthriveonlittlewateronceestablishedtheyhaveotherbenefitsaswellWoodyperennialherbssuchasrosemarysageandthymemdashallnativetotheMediterranean
Chives
CommonsageCatmint
Lemonthyme
Pocketshysizeherbsamplerregionmdashproduceleavesthatcanbeused Just48squarefeetisspaceenoughforadiverseassortmentoffreshordriedtoflavormeatsoupsand scentedherbsplusacompatiblefragrantroseSevenoftheninestewsInbedsandborderstheycombine herbshaveculinaryusesmakingthisplantingespeciallyappealshywellwithbloomingperennialssuchas ingtocooks(particularlyifitrsquoslocatednearakitchendoor)Theblueshyfloweredcatmintandsunnyyellow twononculinarychoicesmdashlavendercottonandcatmintmdashaddtopatioroses theplotrsquosbeautywiththeirsofttexturesandequallysoftgrayshy
Unthirstyshrubsandperennialsthat greentograyshywhiteleafcolorInfactmuchofthisgardenrsquospumpoutflowersberriesorseedsinvite charmderivesfromitsvariedfoliagecolorsandtexturesconspicshyallkindsofbirdstoyourgardenbringingit uousflowersappearchieflyonthechivescatmintlavenderalivewithbeautyandmotion(Birdsalso cottonrosemaryandrosefeastonpestinsects)
YoucanreshycreateoneoftheborderspicturedatrightinyourowngardenThebesttimetoplantisearlyfallbeforerainscome(theyrsquollhelpirrigatethenewtransshyplantsforfree)LocatebothbedsinfullsunThebrightherbsamplerisdesignedtofitasmall(8shyby6shyfoot)spaceThebirdscapeisbackedwiththreebillowyshrubsthatneedmoreroomtosprawl
ThetotalnumberofeachplantneededisindicatedaftereachplantintheldquoPlantListsrdquofarright
Blanketflower Black-eyedSusan
Fountaingrass Firethorn
WesternbirdscapeThissmallplantingdesignissuitedtomildshywinterareasofCalishyforniaandtheSouthwestdesertsThoughitlackstreesandawateringholeitoffersmostoftheinducementsthatbirdscraveberriesseedsandshelterTheirresistibleluremdashaslegionsofgardenershavecometoknowmdashistheyearlycropoffirethornberriesbutthegardenrsquosfeatheredpatronswillalsofeastonthefruitsoflantanaheavenlybamboocotoneasterandElaeagnus SeedshyeaterswillappreciatethebountyofcoreopsisblanketflowerblackshyeyedSusanandfountaingrassTheshrubsallaffordampleshelter
10 Sunset
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Plantingarea8x6
PlantlistA Chives(Allium F Rose(lsquoSunspritersquo)1schoenoprasum)3 G Rosemary(RosmarishyB Frenchtarragon nus officinalis)1(Artemisia H Commonsagedracunculus)4 (Salvia officinalis C Catmint(Nepeta x lsquoIcterinarsquo)1faassenii)3 I LavendercottonD Sweetmarjoram (Santolina chamaecypashy(Origanum majorana rissuslsquoNanarsquo)3Majorana hortensis)1 J LemonthymeE Oregano(Origanum (Thymus x citriodorus)vulgare)2 lsquoAureusrsquo1
c b a
h f g
f
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Plantingarea25x18
PlantlistA Elaeagnus x F Black-eyedSusanebbingei1 (Rudbeckia fulgida sullishyB Firethorn(Pyracanshy vantii lsquoGoldsturmrsquo)11tha coccinealsquoKasanrsquo1 G FountaingrassC Lantana (Pennisetum lsquoRadiationrsquo3+ setaceum) 6D Heavenly H Blanketflowerbamboo (Nandina (Gaillardia x grandishydomestica) 2 flora)5E Willowleafcoto- I Coreopsis grandiflora neaster(Cotoneaster lsquoSunburstrsquo4salicifoliuslsquoEmeraldCarpetrsquo)2+
EasyWater-WiseGardening 11
andbarrelcactusthriveintheflankinggravelpatches7 Pocket patio A7-footcircleofbrickssetintoabaseofcompactedsandiseasytomoveandadaptfordifferentpurposes
Design
PermeablesurfacesLet rainfall percolate down to plant roots Paths and patiosthatarepavedwithgraveldecomposedgranitespacedflagshystonesorporousconcretearethebestchoicesforwatershyconservinggardensPermeablepavingmaterialsaddbeautyandstructuretothegardenandofcourserequirenoirrigationthemselvesMoreshyovertheyallowrainwaterandirrigationtopassthroughthemandintothesoilpreventingrunoffthatcanclogstormdrainsandpollutenearbylakesstreamsandcoastalwaters
IfyoursquoreconsideringgravelvisityourlocallandscapesupplyyardtoexperiencethelookandfeelofdifferenttypesGravelreferstorocksranginginsizefrom18inchto112inchesItcomesintwoformsManmadecrushedrockhassharpirregushylaredgesnatureshymaderiverrock(alsoknownasnaturalpebbles)isroundedThinkaboutwhereitwillbeusedForhighshytrafficareassuchaspathsandpatiosusemanmadecrushedrockBecausethepiecesbindtogetherwelltheycreateamorestablesurfaceforwalkshyingThemostcommonsizeis38inchanallshypurposegravelthatrsquosalsogoodasamulcharoundplantingsForasoftersurfaceunderbarefeetuse14shyinchorfinernaturalpebblesForlowshytrafficareasriverrockisanattractivechoicebutthelargersmootherpiecesarelessstableunderfootthancrushedrock
YoucangreenupsurfacescoveredwithstoneorcobblesbyplantingmatshyforminggroundcoversbetweenthepaversGoodchoicesforthisuseincludecreepingthyme(shownatfarupperright)Dymondia margaretaewhichformsatightmatofnarrowgrayshygreenleavesandtinyyellowflowersinsummerandsnowshyinshysummer(Cerastium tomentosum)adensetuftymatofsilverygrayfoliagewithsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer
12 Sunset
7waystouseporouspaving1 golden gravelInthisLosAngelesgardenabaseofwarm-toned34-inchgravelmakesaboldvisualdistinctionfromsurroundinggreen-eryincludingdrought-tolerantblue Senecio mandraliscae 2 shale and pavers FracturedshalefillsgapsbetweenconcretepaversinagardeninAlamoCAyarrowandgrassessoftenpathrsquosedges3 classic filler Drought-tolerantcreep-ingthymegrows3inchestallandrootsasitspreadstofillspacesbetweenflagstonepavers4 woodsy pathSpacedconcreteldquostonesrdquocurvethroughagardeninGigHarborWA5 fit for a fireside lsquoPaprikarsquoyarrowandlsquoWalkerrsquosLowrsquocatmintedgeasecludedgravelseatingareainCalifor-niarsquoswinecountry6 paired materials Edgedwithpaleflag-stoneahalf-inchofdecomposedgraniteoveracompactedbaseformsawell-drainingsurfaceinthisgardeninRanchoMirageCAPaloverdeagavesopuntiacactus
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 13
4
5
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CLO
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WIS
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Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
2
EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
CK
WIS
E F
RO
M T
OP
LE
FT G
EO
RG
E O
LSO
N T
HO
MA
S J
STO
RY
EM
AH
AR
T (2
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
OM
LE
FT S
tev
en
A g
un
the
r T
ho
ma
s J
Sto
ry
needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Ill
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Shadingshowsverticalwettingpatternnoticehowmuchdeeperwatergoesinsandysoilthaninclay
Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
D
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or
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Sto
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No
rm
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(4
)
Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
fro
m l
eft
No
rm
an
A P
late
Ste
ve
n A
Gu
nth
er
Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
m L
eft
Ro
b D
Br
od
ma
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Sp
en
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oy
AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
Clo
ck
wis
e f
ro
m F
ar
le
ft C
am
ille
No
rd
gr
en
(2
) R
ob
d B
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dm
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Jim
Mc
Ca
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d (
2)
THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
S
E
W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
1
2 3
Design
PlantsforallclimatesChoose ornamentals that thrive in your region While local nativesarebestsuitedtomostsitesothergoodchoicesincludedroughtshytolerantplantsfromallcornersoftheworldSomeofthemostwatershywiseoptionsarenativetotheSouthwestdesertsOthersarefromthefiveMeditershyraneanclimateregionsmdashCaliforniatheMediterraneanbasinSouthAfricasouthshywesternAustraliaandthecentralcoastofChilemdashwhererainsarespareandsummersarewarmanddry
ManyoftheseplantssharecharacterisshyticsthathelpthemsurviveperiodsofintenseheatandlowrainfallTheymayhavegrayorvelvetyleavesthatreflectheatsucculentleavesstemsandrootsthatstorewaterorneedlelikeleaveswhosesmallsurfacearealimitsthepotenshytialforwaterlossOrtheymaygodormantduringthehottestmonthsoftheyear
WatershywiseplantshavedifferentdegreesofdroughttolerancePlantsthatthriveon30inchesofrainintheNorthwestforinstancewillwitherinaSouthwestgardenwheretheaveragerainfallis10inchesorlessDoyourhomeworkbeforefinalizingplantchoicesthengroupplantsintozonesbytheirwaterneedsPlacethirstier(andoftenshowier)plantsnearshyestthehouseorinotherhighshyvisibilityspotslessthirstyplantsinthebackgroundMakesureyourirrigationplansupportseachzoneindependentlyoftheothers
AvoidthemistakeofthinkingthatsometypesofplantsneverneedwateringAllplantsnativeornotneedregulardeepirrigationsthroughthefirstyeartohelptheirrootsbecomeestablishedSomeneedmoistureintothesecondyearbutbythenmanydofinewithonlyanoccasionaldeepwateringAbitofresearchandconsultingwithyourlocalnurseryorcooperativeextensionservicewillhelpyoufigureouthowmuchwateryourplantsneed
Sunset
7greatwatershywiseplantings1 LOW SPREADING Ceanshyothus griseuslsquoKurtZadnikrsquoisacolorfulgroundcoverthatgrows2to3feettalland6feetwideormoreSpringflowersaredeepblue2 WATER-WISE AND FIRE-WISEInaSanDiegondashareagardenspacesbetweenbouldersarefilledwithadeeppinkrose-scentedgeraniumwhitenutmeg-scentedgeraniumandpurplesweet-peashrub3 wildlife magnet Coneflower(Echinacea)isatoughperennialwithdaisy-likeflowersinpinklavender-purpleyelloworangeandwhiteBeesandbutterflieslovetovisitthebeehive-shapedcentersfornectarfinchesvisitlaterforseeds4 EASY TO GROW Hornedpoppy(Glaucium flavum) producesrosettesofcrin-klygray-greenleavestoppedbyorangetobrightyellowblooms5 BRIGHT BERRIESTall(usuallyto10feet)denseToyonputsonabrightshowinwinterwhenredberriesenveloptheshrub6 BOLD FOLIAGECloudsoflime-coloredflowersonEuphorbia characias wulfeniicontrastwithchocolate-huedAeonium arboreum lsquoZwartkoprsquotocreatedramainaSanClementeCAgarden7 SHAPE AND TEXTURE Mediterranean-climateplantsfillagardenborderinarainshadowalongWashingtonrsquosPugetSoundTheyincludeAster lsquoMoumlnchrsquoandSchizostylis coccinea lsquoOregonSunsetrsquoframedagainstlsquoGoldSwordrsquoNewZealandflaxBehindistallairyVerbena bonariensis
6clo
ck
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e fr
om
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eft
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iga
nd
(2
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en A
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ther
bo
b w
iga
nd
(3
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im m
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sla
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 9
4
578
Design
Low-waterplantingplansBrighten a garden bed with herbs for your kitchen or berries and flowers for birds The best plants forlowshywatergardensnotonlyenliventhelandscapeandthriveonlittlewateronceestablishedtheyhaveotherbenefitsaswellWoodyperennialherbssuchasrosemarysageandthymemdashallnativetotheMediterranean
Chives
CommonsageCatmint
Lemonthyme
Pocketshysizeherbsamplerregionmdashproduceleavesthatcanbeused Just48squarefeetisspaceenoughforadiverseassortmentoffreshordriedtoflavormeatsoupsand scentedherbsplusacompatiblefragrantroseSevenoftheninestewsInbedsandborderstheycombine herbshaveculinaryusesmakingthisplantingespeciallyappealshywellwithbloomingperennialssuchas ingtocooks(particularlyifitrsquoslocatednearakitchendoor)Theblueshyfloweredcatmintandsunnyyellow twononculinarychoicesmdashlavendercottonandcatmintmdashaddtopatioroses theplotrsquosbeautywiththeirsofttexturesandequallysoftgrayshy
Unthirstyshrubsandperennialsthat greentograyshywhiteleafcolorInfactmuchofthisgardenrsquospumpoutflowersberriesorseedsinvite charmderivesfromitsvariedfoliagecolorsandtexturesconspicshyallkindsofbirdstoyourgardenbringingit uousflowersappearchieflyonthechivescatmintlavenderalivewithbeautyandmotion(Birdsalso cottonrosemaryandrosefeastonpestinsects)
YoucanreshycreateoneoftheborderspicturedatrightinyourowngardenThebesttimetoplantisearlyfallbeforerainscome(theyrsquollhelpirrigatethenewtransshyplantsforfree)LocatebothbedsinfullsunThebrightherbsamplerisdesignedtofitasmall(8shyby6shyfoot)spaceThebirdscapeisbackedwiththreebillowyshrubsthatneedmoreroomtosprawl
ThetotalnumberofeachplantneededisindicatedaftereachplantintheldquoPlantListsrdquofarright
Blanketflower Black-eyedSusan
Fountaingrass Firethorn
WesternbirdscapeThissmallplantingdesignissuitedtomildshywinterareasofCalishyforniaandtheSouthwestdesertsThoughitlackstreesandawateringholeitoffersmostoftheinducementsthatbirdscraveberriesseedsandshelterTheirresistibleluremdashaslegionsofgardenershavecometoknowmdashistheyearlycropoffirethornberriesbutthegardenrsquosfeatheredpatronswillalsofeastonthefruitsoflantanaheavenlybamboocotoneasterandElaeagnus SeedshyeaterswillappreciatethebountyofcoreopsisblanketflowerblackshyeyedSusanandfountaingrassTheshrubsallaffordampleshelter
10 Sunset
op
po
site
clo
ck
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e f
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op
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ft d
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id c
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o t
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ire
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om
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Plantingarea8x6
PlantlistA Chives(Allium F Rose(lsquoSunspritersquo)1schoenoprasum)3 G Rosemary(RosmarishyB Frenchtarragon nus officinalis)1(Artemisia H Commonsagedracunculus)4 (Salvia officinalis C Catmint(Nepeta x lsquoIcterinarsquo)1faassenii)3 I LavendercottonD Sweetmarjoram (Santolina chamaecypashy(Origanum majorana rissuslsquoNanarsquo)3Majorana hortensis)1 J LemonthymeE Oregano(Origanum (Thymus x citriodorus)vulgare)2 lsquoAureusrsquo1
c b a
h f g
f
e i d
g c
Plantingarea25x18
PlantlistA Elaeagnus x F Black-eyedSusanebbingei1 (Rudbeckia fulgida sullishyB Firethorn(Pyracanshy vantii lsquoGoldsturmrsquo)11tha coccinealsquoKasanrsquo1 G FountaingrassC Lantana (Pennisetum lsquoRadiationrsquo3+ setaceum) 6D Heavenly H Blanketflowerbamboo (Nandina (Gaillardia x grandishydomestica) 2 flora)5E Willowleafcoto- I Coreopsis grandiflora neaster(Cotoneaster lsquoSunburstrsquo4salicifoliuslsquoEmeraldCarpetrsquo)2+
EasyWater-WiseGardening 11
andbarrelcactusthriveintheflankinggravelpatches7 Pocket patio A7-footcircleofbrickssetintoabaseofcompactedsandiseasytomoveandadaptfordifferentpurposes
Design
PermeablesurfacesLet rainfall percolate down to plant roots Paths and patiosthatarepavedwithgraveldecomposedgranitespacedflagshystonesorporousconcretearethebestchoicesforwatershyconservinggardensPermeablepavingmaterialsaddbeautyandstructuretothegardenandofcourserequirenoirrigationthemselvesMoreshyovertheyallowrainwaterandirrigationtopassthroughthemandintothesoilpreventingrunoffthatcanclogstormdrainsandpollutenearbylakesstreamsandcoastalwaters
IfyoursquoreconsideringgravelvisityourlocallandscapesupplyyardtoexperiencethelookandfeelofdifferenttypesGravelreferstorocksranginginsizefrom18inchto112inchesItcomesintwoformsManmadecrushedrockhassharpirregushylaredgesnatureshymaderiverrock(alsoknownasnaturalpebbles)isroundedThinkaboutwhereitwillbeusedForhighshytrafficareassuchaspathsandpatiosusemanmadecrushedrockBecausethepiecesbindtogetherwelltheycreateamorestablesurfaceforwalkshyingThemostcommonsizeis38inchanallshypurposegravelthatrsquosalsogoodasamulcharoundplantingsForasoftersurfaceunderbarefeetuse14shyinchorfinernaturalpebblesForlowshytrafficareasriverrockisanattractivechoicebutthelargersmootherpiecesarelessstableunderfootthancrushedrock
YoucangreenupsurfacescoveredwithstoneorcobblesbyplantingmatshyforminggroundcoversbetweenthepaversGoodchoicesforthisuseincludecreepingthyme(shownatfarupperright)Dymondia margaretaewhichformsatightmatofnarrowgrayshygreenleavesandtinyyellowflowersinsummerandsnowshyinshysummer(Cerastium tomentosum)adensetuftymatofsilverygrayfoliagewithsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer
12 Sunset
7waystouseporouspaving1 golden gravelInthisLosAngelesgardenabaseofwarm-toned34-inchgravelmakesaboldvisualdistinctionfromsurroundinggreen-eryincludingdrought-tolerantblue Senecio mandraliscae 2 shale and pavers FracturedshalefillsgapsbetweenconcretepaversinagardeninAlamoCAyarrowandgrassessoftenpathrsquosedges3 classic filler Drought-tolerantcreep-ingthymegrows3inchestallandrootsasitspreadstofillspacesbetweenflagstonepavers4 woodsy pathSpacedconcreteldquostonesrdquocurvethroughagardeninGigHarborWA5 fit for a fireside lsquoPaprikarsquoyarrowandlsquoWalkerrsquosLowrsquocatmintedgeasecludedgravelseatingareainCalifor-niarsquoswinecountry6 paired materials Edgedwithpaleflag-stoneahalf-inchofdecomposedgraniteoveracompactedbaseformsawell-drainingsurfaceinthisgardeninRanchoMirageCAPaloverdeagavesopuntiacactus
1
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 13
4
5
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CK
WIS
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RO
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Sto
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Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
2
EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
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needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
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eft
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Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
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Br
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Sp
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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ille
No
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2)
THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
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W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
Design
Low-waterplantingplansBrighten a garden bed with herbs for your kitchen or berries and flowers for birds The best plants forlowshywatergardensnotonlyenliventhelandscapeandthriveonlittlewateronceestablishedtheyhaveotherbenefitsaswellWoodyperennialherbssuchasrosemarysageandthymemdashallnativetotheMediterranean
Chives
CommonsageCatmint
Lemonthyme
Pocketshysizeherbsamplerregionmdashproduceleavesthatcanbeused Just48squarefeetisspaceenoughforadiverseassortmentoffreshordriedtoflavormeatsoupsand scentedherbsplusacompatiblefragrantroseSevenoftheninestewsInbedsandborderstheycombine herbshaveculinaryusesmakingthisplantingespeciallyappealshywellwithbloomingperennialssuchas ingtocooks(particularlyifitrsquoslocatednearakitchendoor)Theblueshyfloweredcatmintandsunnyyellow twononculinarychoicesmdashlavendercottonandcatmintmdashaddtopatioroses theplotrsquosbeautywiththeirsofttexturesandequallysoftgrayshy
Unthirstyshrubsandperennialsthat greentograyshywhiteleafcolorInfactmuchofthisgardenrsquospumpoutflowersberriesorseedsinvite charmderivesfromitsvariedfoliagecolorsandtexturesconspicshyallkindsofbirdstoyourgardenbringingit uousflowersappearchieflyonthechivescatmintlavenderalivewithbeautyandmotion(Birdsalso cottonrosemaryandrosefeastonpestinsects)
YoucanreshycreateoneoftheborderspicturedatrightinyourowngardenThebesttimetoplantisearlyfallbeforerainscome(theyrsquollhelpirrigatethenewtransshyplantsforfree)LocatebothbedsinfullsunThebrightherbsamplerisdesignedtofitasmall(8shyby6shyfoot)spaceThebirdscapeisbackedwiththreebillowyshrubsthatneedmoreroomtosprawl
ThetotalnumberofeachplantneededisindicatedaftereachplantintheldquoPlantListsrdquofarright
Blanketflower Black-eyedSusan
Fountaingrass Firethorn
WesternbirdscapeThissmallplantingdesignissuitedtomildshywinterareasofCalishyforniaandtheSouthwestdesertsThoughitlackstreesandawateringholeitoffersmostoftheinducementsthatbirdscraveberriesseedsandshelterTheirresistibleluremdashaslegionsofgardenershavecometoknowmdashistheyearlycropoffirethornberriesbutthegardenrsquosfeatheredpatronswillalsofeastonthefruitsoflantanaheavenlybamboocotoneasterandElaeagnus SeedshyeaterswillappreciatethebountyofcoreopsisblanketflowerblackshyeyedSusanandfountaingrassTheshrubsallaffordampleshelter
10 Sunset
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ck
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e f
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Plantingarea8x6
PlantlistA Chives(Allium F Rose(lsquoSunspritersquo)1schoenoprasum)3 G Rosemary(RosmarishyB Frenchtarragon nus officinalis)1(Artemisia H Commonsagedracunculus)4 (Salvia officinalis C Catmint(Nepeta x lsquoIcterinarsquo)1faassenii)3 I LavendercottonD Sweetmarjoram (Santolina chamaecypashy(Origanum majorana rissuslsquoNanarsquo)3Majorana hortensis)1 J LemonthymeE Oregano(Origanum (Thymus x citriodorus)vulgare)2 lsquoAureusrsquo1
c b a
h f g
f
e i d
g c
Plantingarea25x18
PlantlistA Elaeagnus x F Black-eyedSusanebbingei1 (Rudbeckia fulgida sullishyB Firethorn(Pyracanshy vantii lsquoGoldsturmrsquo)11tha coccinealsquoKasanrsquo1 G FountaingrassC Lantana (Pennisetum lsquoRadiationrsquo3+ setaceum) 6D Heavenly H Blanketflowerbamboo (Nandina (Gaillardia x grandishydomestica) 2 flora)5E Willowleafcoto- I Coreopsis grandiflora neaster(Cotoneaster lsquoSunburstrsquo4salicifoliuslsquoEmeraldCarpetrsquo)2+
EasyWater-WiseGardening 11
andbarrelcactusthriveintheflankinggravelpatches7 Pocket patio A7-footcircleofbrickssetintoabaseofcompactedsandiseasytomoveandadaptfordifferentpurposes
Design
PermeablesurfacesLet rainfall percolate down to plant roots Paths and patiosthatarepavedwithgraveldecomposedgranitespacedflagshystonesorporousconcretearethebestchoicesforwatershyconservinggardensPermeablepavingmaterialsaddbeautyandstructuretothegardenandofcourserequirenoirrigationthemselvesMoreshyovertheyallowrainwaterandirrigationtopassthroughthemandintothesoilpreventingrunoffthatcanclogstormdrainsandpollutenearbylakesstreamsandcoastalwaters
IfyoursquoreconsideringgravelvisityourlocallandscapesupplyyardtoexperiencethelookandfeelofdifferenttypesGravelreferstorocksranginginsizefrom18inchto112inchesItcomesintwoformsManmadecrushedrockhassharpirregushylaredgesnatureshymaderiverrock(alsoknownasnaturalpebbles)isroundedThinkaboutwhereitwillbeusedForhighshytrafficareassuchaspathsandpatiosusemanmadecrushedrockBecausethepiecesbindtogetherwelltheycreateamorestablesurfaceforwalkshyingThemostcommonsizeis38inchanallshypurposegravelthatrsquosalsogoodasamulcharoundplantingsForasoftersurfaceunderbarefeetuse14shyinchorfinernaturalpebblesForlowshytrafficareasriverrockisanattractivechoicebutthelargersmootherpiecesarelessstableunderfootthancrushedrock
YoucangreenupsurfacescoveredwithstoneorcobblesbyplantingmatshyforminggroundcoversbetweenthepaversGoodchoicesforthisuseincludecreepingthyme(shownatfarupperright)Dymondia margaretaewhichformsatightmatofnarrowgrayshygreenleavesandtinyyellowflowersinsummerandsnowshyinshysummer(Cerastium tomentosum)adensetuftymatofsilverygrayfoliagewithsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer
12 Sunset
7waystouseporouspaving1 golden gravelInthisLosAngelesgardenabaseofwarm-toned34-inchgravelmakesaboldvisualdistinctionfromsurroundinggreen-eryincludingdrought-tolerantblue Senecio mandraliscae 2 shale and pavers FracturedshalefillsgapsbetweenconcretepaversinagardeninAlamoCAyarrowandgrassessoftenpathrsquosedges3 classic filler Drought-tolerantcreep-ingthymegrows3inchestallandrootsasitspreadstofillspacesbetweenflagstonepavers4 woodsy pathSpacedconcreteldquostonesrdquocurvethroughagardeninGigHarborWA5 fit for a fireside lsquoPaprikarsquoyarrowandlsquoWalkerrsquosLowrsquocatmintedgeasecludedgravelseatingareainCalifor-niarsquoswinecountry6 paired materials Edgedwithpaleflag-stoneahalf-inchofdecomposedgraniteoveracompactedbaseformsawell-drainingsurfaceinthisgardeninRanchoMirageCAPaloverdeagavesopuntiacactus
1
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 13
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Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
2
EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
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needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
fro
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eft
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Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
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PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
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andbarrelcactusthriveintheflankinggravelpatches7 Pocket patio A7-footcircleofbrickssetintoabaseofcompactedsandiseasytomoveandadaptfordifferentpurposes
Design
PermeablesurfacesLet rainfall percolate down to plant roots Paths and patiosthatarepavedwithgraveldecomposedgranitespacedflagshystonesorporousconcretearethebestchoicesforwatershyconservinggardensPermeablepavingmaterialsaddbeautyandstructuretothegardenandofcourserequirenoirrigationthemselvesMoreshyovertheyallowrainwaterandirrigationtopassthroughthemandintothesoilpreventingrunoffthatcanclogstormdrainsandpollutenearbylakesstreamsandcoastalwaters
IfyoursquoreconsideringgravelvisityourlocallandscapesupplyyardtoexperiencethelookandfeelofdifferenttypesGravelreferstorocksranginginsizefrom18inchto112inchesItcomesintwoformsManmadecrushedrockhassharpirregushylaredgesnatureshymaderiverrock(alsoknownasnaturalpebbles)isroundedThinkaboutwhereitwillbeusedForhighshytrafficareassuchaspathsandpatiosusemanmadecrushedrockBecausethepiecesbindtogetherwelltheycreateamorestablesurfaceforwalkshyingThemostcommonsizeis38inchanallshypurposegravelthatrsquosalsogoodasamulcharoundplantingsForasoftersurfaceunderbarefeetuse14shyinchorfinernaturalpebblesForlowshytrafficareasriverrockisanattractivechoicebutthelargersmootherpiecesarelessstableunderfootthancrushedrock
YoucangreenupsurfacescoveredwithstoneorcobblesbyplantingmatshyforminggroundcoversbetweenthepaversGoodchoicesforthisuseincludecreepingthyme(shownatfarupperright)Dymondia margaretaewhichformsatightmatofnarrowgrayshygreenleavesandtinyyellowflowersinsummerandsnowshyinshysummer(Cerastium tomentosum)adensetuftymatofsilverygrayfoliagewithsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer
12 Sunset
7waystouseporouspaving1 golden gravelInthisLosAngelesgardenabaseofwarm-toned34-inchgravelmakesaboldvisualdistinctionfromsurroundinggreen-eryincludingdrought-tolerantblue Senecio mandraliscae 2 shale and pavers FracturedshalefillsgapsbetweenconcretepaversinagardeninAlamoCAyarrowandgrassessoftenpathrsquosedges3 classic filler Drought-tolerantcreep-ingthymegrows3inchestallandrootsasitspreadstofillspacesbetweenflagstonepavers4 woodsy pathSpacedconcreteldquostonesrdquocurvethroughagardeninGigHarborWA5 fit for a fireside lsquoPaprikarsquoyarrowandlsquoWalkerrsquosLowrsquocatmintedgeasecludedgravelseatingareainCalifor-niarsquoswinecountry6 paired materials Edgedwithpaleflag-stoneahalf-inchofdecomposedgraniteoveracompactedbaseformsawell-drainingsurfaceinthisgardeninRanchoMirageCAPaloverdeagavesopuntiacactus
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 13
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Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
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EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
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Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
OM
LE
FT S
tev
en
A g
un
the
r T
ho
ma
s J
Sto
ry
needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
Ab
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ra
ig d
wo
od
Ill
ust
ra
tio
n a
t r
igh
t N
ik s
ch
ulz
Shadingshowsverticalwettingpatternnoticehowmuchdeeperwatergoesinsandysoilthaninclay
Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
D
F
G
F H
Clo
ck
wis
e f
ro
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op
rig
ht
Sa
nd
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e R
eh
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ry
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rm
an
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Jim
McC
au
sla
nd
n
or
ma
n a
pla
te T
ho
ma
s J
Sto
ry
No
rm
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(4
)
Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
fro
m l
eft
No
rm
an
A P
late
Ste
ve
n A
Gu
nth
er
Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
m L
eft
Ro
b D
Br
od
ma
n E
Sp
en
ce
r t
oy
AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
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hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
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hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
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PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
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Irrigation Efficientwatering101Learn about your soil watch your plants and get the right tools When determininghowyoushouldwaterfirstconsideryourplantsBecauseplantswithdeeperrootsarebetterabletowithstandperiodsofdroughtyourgoalshouldbetoapplyenoughwatertowettheentirerootzoneandtoencouragedeeprootingShallowwateringleadstoshallowrootsandplantsthatareverysusceptibletodroughtandfluctuatingtemperaturesYoushouldalsoavoidapplyingsomuchwaterthatitpenetratesdeeperthanrootsactuallygrowThatwateriswasted
WateringchecklistHydrozoningOrganizeyourlandscapeintoldquohydrozonesrdquomdashgroupsofplantswithsimilarwatersoilandexposureneedsBydoingsoitrsquospossibletoapplywaterveryefficientlyandallocatemorewatertothirstyplantsandlesstounthirstyonesForexampleyoushouldseparatelowshywateruserswhichthriveonrainfallaloneorwithminimalsupplementalwater(suchasnativeplantsoronessimilarlyadaptedtodrought)fromhighshywaterusers(suchaslawnsannualflowersandvegetablegardens)AsmuchaspossiblemaximizetheamountofgardenspacededicatedtolowshywaterusersObserveyourplantsGettoknowthesignsofmoisturestresssuchasdroopyoffshycoloredfoliageKnowyoursoilExamineitfrequentlymakingsureitisnottoowetortoodrybetweenwateringsIfnecessaryaddorganicmattertonewplantingareastoimprovesoiltextureortoholdmoisturebetterWaterdeeplythenletthesoilpartiallydrybeforewateringagainIrrigatelongenoughtowettheentirerootzoneTodeterminehowdeepthewateris
14 Sunset
2 3manualwateringdevicesHand watering can be very efficient You can pinpoint individual plants and vary watering times based on plant needs and weather The right devices make it easier
1 Portable sprinklers 2 Soaker hoses Flathoses 3 Hose-end nozzles Theyfeaturedifferentspray perforatedononesideor Nozzlesturnwaterflowintoamethodsoscillatingrotating porousldquooozerdquotypesworkbest varietyofspraysfromstrongimpulseortravelingChoosea onlevelgroundRunthem jettogentlemistThosewithheavy-weightmodelwitha alongrowsofvegetables longhandlesareespeciallypatternthatmatchesthe flowersorhedgesspiral helpfulforwateringhangingshapeoftheareatobewatered aroundtreesoruseto baskets(Ifthenozzledoesnrsquotandthatapplieswaterevenly moistenbedsofseedlings alreadyhaveashutoffvalveovertheentirearea youcanconnectonebetween
itandthehose)
1
penetratingpushastiffmetalrodintothesoilafterwateringItwillmoveeasilythroughwetsoilbutwillstoporbehardertopushwhenithitsdrysoilBeforewatershyingagainletthetopfewinchesofsoildryoutdependingonthesizeoftheplantAvoidrunoffDonrsquotapplywaterfasterthanthesoilcanabsorbitDirectwatertoplantrootsbybuildingbasinsorfurrowsofsoilaroundplantsUseterracesorbasinstoavoidrunoffonslopesPulseshyirrigateplantsinclaysoiloronslopesApply
wateruntilpuddlesappearstopuntilthewaterisabsorbedthenrepeatthecycleuntilwaterpenetratestothedesireddepthUsedriporlowshyvolumeirrigation(seepages18ndash21)AdjustwateringscheduleswiththeweatherandseasonsWaterlessoftenincoolweathermorefrequentlyduringhotweatherIrrigateearlyinthemorningwhenwindsarecalmandevaporationislow(SeeldquoHowseasonaffectswateringrdquopage25)
HowtochoosetherighthoseAcheaphosepronetokinksandcracksmakesgardeningachoreItpaystoinvestinqualitynHosesmaybemadeofrubberorvinyloracombinationofthetwoThebestmodelsincor-poratemultiplelayersofreinforcingfabricsuchasnylonorrayonHosecouplingsandswivelsareanotherindicationofqualityThestrongestcouplingsaremadeofbrassmdashthethickerthebettermdashandthebestswivelsarehexagonalforeasygrippingAlsolookforaprotectivecollarjustbelowthecouplingitrsquosdesignedtopreventthehosefromkinkingatthefaucetnGardenhosesvaryinlength(2550and100feet)anddiameter(1258 and 34 inch)A12-inchhosecandeliveraboutathirdasmuchwaterasa34-inchhoseIfyouhavelowwaterpressureorifyoumustrunyourhoseuphillbuytheshortestlargest-diameterhosethatrsquospracticalforyoursituation
useahoseinfurrows1Basins3to6inchesdeepholdwateraroundplantsOnlevelgroundlinkbasinstomakewateringeasier
2Furrows3to8inchesdeephelpahose-endbubblerattachmentirrigatestraightrows
1
2
EasyWater-WiseGardening 15
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
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needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
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Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
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APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
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THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
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Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
Irrigation
EfficientwateringwithsprinklersA good choice for overhead irrigation of a large area For large lawnsandsomevegetableandflowerbedsundergroundsprinklersystemsareagoodoptionTooperateproperlytheyneedhighpressure(40psiormoreatthewatersource)YoumaywanttohireaprofessionaltoplanandinstallthesystemwhichentailsmuchphysicallaborHoweversprinklermanushyfacturersprovidegoodinstructionsandmanypeopledecidetodothejobthemselves
DesignyoursystemTodesignanundergroundirrigationsystemfollowthesestepsMakeascaledrawingofyourpropertyIncludeneworexistinglandscapinghardshyscapinglikepathsandpatiosandanyexistingundergroundutilitiesDivideyourpropertyintohydrozones
VisitanirrigationsupplierTaketimetofamiliarizeyourselfwithcomponentslistedandshowninthephotographonthefacingpagePayattentiontosprinkleroutputratesandnozzlespraypatterns
SketchyoursystemStoresornurseriesthatspecializeinirrigashytionsuppliescanhelpyouplananddrawanirrigationsystemoryoumayprefertohaveaprofessionaldothedesignRegardshylessitmakessensetobeinvolvedwiththedesignprocessHerearesomebasictipswhenplanningasystem
LimitheadsUseasfewsprinklersaspossibletoachieveheadshytoshyheadcovershyageSprayfromonesprinklershouldreachtheheadofthenextsprinklerForfullcoverageeachareashouldbecoveredbythreesprinklers
16 Sunset
Sprayoverlap
Sprinkler
SprinklercoverageThisillustrationshowshowtopositionsprin-klerstoensureevencoverageSprinklerheadsinthecornerscastwaterinanarcwhilethecenterheadwatersinacircleDarktintindicateswateroverlap
CLO
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IsolatespraysPositionsprinklerstopreventoversprayintoneighboringhydrozonesorpavedareas
SimplifythecoursePlotlayoutofundershygroundpipeswithfewestturns
GroupbyvalvePlotcircuitsmdashagroupofsprinklerscontrolledbythesamevalvemdashtocorrespondtothehydrozonesEveryshythingononecircuit(valve)willbewateredatthesametimeYourwaterpressureandflowratewilldeterminehowmanysprinshyklersyoucanhaveoneachcircuitEachcircuitshouldcomprisethesametypeofsprinklerssprayorrotorDonrsquotmixthetwo
MaintainyoursprinklersystemTomakesureyoursystemoperateseffishycientlyoftenwatchitruntocheckforsignsofleaksmalfunctionsorpoorperformanceAdjustsprinklerswhennecessaryandunclogheadswithaknifeorpieceofwireReplacebrokensprinklersorrisersWatershyfilledvalveboxesorleakshyingsprinklersmaybeasignthatvalvesneedtoberepairedorreplacedWetspotsandaconstantlyrunningwatermeterareothersignsofproblemsInfreezingclimatesinstalladrainvalveatthelowestpointineachcircuitBeforewinterfreezedrainthesystemthroughthedrainvalveandhireaprofessionaltoblowcompressedairthroughthesystemtoclearremainingwater
NozzlespraypatternsForpropercoveragetypicallyyoumustsetsomenozzlestodifferentarcsthanothers
360deg270deg
240deg180deg
120deg90deg
elementsofaHosebibbsprinklersystem
Systemshutoff
Controlvalveand valvebackflowpreventer
Nozzle
Schedule80riser
Pop-upsprinkler Sprinklerhead
CutoffriserPVCslipby
PVCslipbythreadT threadelbow
Swingjoint
PVCpipe
Usetherightcomponents NozzlesThesedetermineasprinklerheadrsquosControl valves Theseincludebackflow(anti- patternofsprayradiusofthrowandamountsiphon)devicestopreventwaterfromflowing ofwaterdeliveredChoosethepatterncarefullyintothehomewatersupply tofittheshapeoftheareaMostsprayheadsTip Valvesareusuallygroupedtogethersothey havenozzlesthatemitwaterproportionatelycaneasilybewiredtoelectroniccontrollers a90degnozzledeliversaquarterofthewateraPipesThesearemadeofrigidwhitepolyvinyl full-circlenozzledeliversVariable-arcnozzleschloride(PVC)Toglueorthreadsectionsofpipe (picturedbelow)canbeadjustedfrom0degto360degtogetheryoursquollneedfittingsthatcomeinvarious ofspraynozzlesarealsoavailableforsmallareasconfigurations(includingTandelbow)andtypes andirregularshapesAllrotorshaveadjustable(slipandthreaded) arcsalthoughhowyoumaketheadjustmentRisersTheseverticalpiecesofpipeconnect variesbymodelandmanufacturersprinklerstoundergroundpipesTheymaybe TipEasy-to-changenozzlesadjustapplication12to18inchestalltoclearshrubs6inchesorless ratesbetweenheadswithdifferentarcsforlawnsprinklersTip Youcanbuyadjustablepolyethylenerisersatthedesiredheightaswellascutofftypesthat Variableshy
arcallowachoiceofheights(AswingjointmakesitnozzleeasytoadjusttheheightandangleofsprinklerAsimpletwist
Sprinkler heads Therearetwobasiccatego-heads)
changestheriessprayandrotary(rotors)Sprayheadsemita spraypatternfixedspraywhereasrotorsmdashbothgear-driven ofavariable-andimpacttypesmdashmoveastheyshootoutsingle arcnozzletoormultiplestreamsofwaterSprayheadsare thedesiredgenerallyforsmallerareasthrowingwaterin segmentofabouta15-footradiusRotorscoveruptoabouta acircle45-footradiusbutneedmorepressuretooperateBecausetheyapplywaterataslowerratethansprayheadsrotorsmustrunforlongerperiodstowetanareabuttheyarelesslikelytocauserunoffTipBothsprayheadsandrotorsareavailableinstationarysprinklersandpop-ups
EasyWater-WiseGardening 17
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
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needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
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Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
m L
eft
Ro
b D
Br
od
ma
n E
Sp
en
ce
r t
oy
AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
Clo
ck
wis
e f
ro
m F
ar
le
ft C
am
ille
No
rd
gr
en
(2
) R
ob
d B
ro
dm
an
Jim
Mc
Ca
usl
an
d (
2)
THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
S
E
W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
Irrigation
EfficientwateringadripsystemThe wise choice for focused localized irrigation While underground rigid-pipe sprinklersystemsusehighwaterpressureandvolumetodispensewateroveralargeareadriporlowshyvolumeirrigationdeliverswateratlowpressureandvolume(ingallonsperhour)tospecificareasoftenjusttoindividualplantsPenetrationofwaterisslowitsdepthregulatedbythelengthoftimethesystemison
TheresultiswellshywateredplantsusinglesswaterthanwithsprinklersDripemitterswhichreleasewaterdirectlytothesoilwastevirtuallynowaterevenminisprayersandminisprinklerswhichspraywaterintotheairdeliverlesswaterthanordinarysprinklersdoEmittersandminisprinklersareavailableinmanydifferentstylesvaryingprimarilyinoutput(gallonsperhour)orinthecaseofminisprinklersinthesizeandshapeofwateringpattern
AdripshyirrigationsystemcanbeconnectedtoyourmainwaterlineoropershyatedfromahosebibbortheendofahoseItispossibletoconvertanexistingrigidpipesystemtoadripsystem(seepage20)
State-of-the-artirrigationsystemsIrrigationtechnologyisevolvingrapidlymakingwateringeasierandmoreefficientIfyouconsideryourselftechnicallyadeptyoumightwanttoincludesomeofthelatestproductsinyoursystemMostneedtobemonitoredverycarefullytooperateproperlysothereisacommitmentinvolvedbuttheycanbeveryuseful
RainsensorsTheyrsquorehookedintoautoshymaticcontrollerstooverrideirrigationwhensignificantrainfalloccurs
18 Sunset
SubsurfaceirrigationUsinginshylinedripemittersenclosedinblackpolyethylenetubing(alsocalledemitterline)isanalternativewaytowaterlawnsThetubingisburied4to8inchesbelowtheturfandusuallyspaced12to18inchesapartdependingonthesoiltypeWithinthetubingthereareindividualemittersspacedevery12to18inchesOnemanufacshyturerinfusesemitterswithanherbicidetopreventgrassrootsfromgrowingintoandcloggingtheopenings
Tofindoutmoreaboutmoisturesensorsandsubsurfaceirrigationconsultsuppliersthatspecializeinirrigationequipment
IrrigationcontrollerBestfriendorworstenemyWhenconnectedtoawellshydesignedirrigashytionsystemaproperlysetautomaticcontrollercanreducewasteanddoabetterjobofwateringthanmostgardenshyerscanButcontrollersareonlyasgoodasthepeoplewhousethemManyhomeshyownersdonrsquotknowhow(orhaveforgottenhow)tosetthemproperlyordonrsquotmakeadjustmentswiththeseasonsIfthatsoundsfamiliarspendsometimereacshyquaintingyourselfwithyourcontroller
Multipleshyprogramcontrollersprovidethemostefficientwaytoirrigatedifferentareasofthegardenwithdifferingwater FR
OM
LE
FT S
tev
en
A g
un
the
r T
ho
ma
s J
Sto
ry
needsProgramsallowyoutosetwhenthesystemcomeson(sayTuesdaysandFridaysat6am)andhowlongitruns(runtime)MultiplestarttimesallowthewatertobedeliveredinshorterspurtsForexamplethecontrollercanwaterthelawnfor10minutesturnoffthewaterforanhourthenwaterforanother10minutesThispulseshyirrigatingtranslatesintoverylittlewasteduetorunoffWaterbudgetingfeaturesallowyoutostepuporstepdowntheruntimewiththeseasonsorweather
ButitrsquosimportanttogetusedtoreproshygrammingthecontrollertosuitplantsrsquochangingwaterneedsAdjustyourirrigashy
elementsofadripsystem
Controlvalve
Filter
12-inchpolyethylenePop-uptubingmicrospray
Endcap
Emitter
ThislandscapeinEncinitasCAthrivesonrainfallinwinterandspringanall-dripsystemtakesoverinsummerLow-waterplantsincludeAloe arborescens (withorangespires)Aeonium arboreum (withyellowcones)andpurplestatice
tionscheduleatleastmonthlytoreflectchangesinweatheranddaylengthForexamplealawnthatrequireswatering4daysperweekinJulywillgenerallyneedwateringonly3daysperweekinSeptemshyberand1or2daysperweekinOctober
DoingityourselfSomehomeownersprefertoinstallsmalldripsystemsbythemselvesFordetailedinstructionsconsulttheinformationprovidedbysuppliersIfyouinstallasystemyourselfyoursquollneedtocreateascaledrawingofyouryardtocalculateequipmentneedsForanextensivesystemitrsquosbesttohireaprofessional
Hosebibb
Systemshutoffvalve
Pressureregulator
Automaticcontroller
PVCpipe
UsetherightcomponentsControl valvethatrunseachzoneorstationonthesystemBackflow preventer(antisiphondevice)foreachzone(maybepartofthecontrolvalvesetup)Pressure regulatortoreducepressureofincomingwatersosetupwonrsquotblowapartFiltertoremovedirtparticlesfromwaterPVC pipestotransportwatertoyourplantingareasPolyethylene tubing(12inch)andmicrotub-ing(14inch)todeliverwaterfromthemainlinetoemittersFittings(compressionbarbedandlockingtoconnectthecomponents)andendcapsEmitters minisprinklers and ooze tubes toapplywatertoplantsFlush valvetoaidincleaningdirtoutofyoursystem(inareaswithdirtywater)ortodrainwateroutofthesystem(inclimateswithfreezingtemperatures)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 19
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
fro
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Ste
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Gu
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Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
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Ro
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Br
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Sp
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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No
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2)
THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
S
E
W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
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31
Irrigation
TherightemitterdependsonyourplantsandsoiltypeThe heavier the soil the slower it absorbs water So for heavier soils you should irrigate with lower gallonshypershyhour (gph) emitters Then run the system longer to supply enough water to plants
WHICH EMITTER AND WHERE
One 2-gph next to plant One 1-gph next to plant One 12-gph next to plant
Two or three 2-gph evenly around plant Two or three 1-gph evenly around plant Two or three 12-gph evenly around plant
Three to six 1-gph or two or three 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Two or three 1-gph installed as above Two or three 12-gph installed as above
Four or five 2-gph on J-loop or two lines on opposite sides Four or five 1-gph installed as above Four or five 12-gph installed as above
One 1-gph at rootball
One 12-gph at rootball
Overlappingminispraysorminisprinklers(orfollowdripguidelinesbelowforldquoBedsofflowersorvegetablesrdquo)
Several 2-gph about a foot apart in a row Several 1-gph about 112 feet apart in a row Several 12 -gph about 112 feet apart in a row
One or more 12- or 1-gph
HowwideHorizontalcoverageisaltantbelowwelistthearbydripemitters
soimpor-eacovered
EMITTER FLOW RATE
Sandy Soil
LOAM SOIL
CLAY SOIL
12gph 1sqft 5sqft 11sqft
1gph 5sqft 11sqft 18sqft
2gph 11sqft 18sqft 31sqft
Punchingdripholes
PunchingpointersWhenmakingholesindriptubingforemittersandbarbedfittingsuseapunchdesignedforthatpurposeBesurethetubingisstraightmdashifitistwistedtheemittercouldenduponthetopcausingwatertorunalongthetubinginsteadofdrippingdownontothesoilTheholeshouldbepositionedsothattheemitterwilldriptothesideordownwardHoldthepunchatarightangletothetubingtoensurearoundholethatwillsealtightlyagainsttheemitterrsquosbarbYoumayfindthepiercingprocesseasierifyouslowlytwistthepunchasyoupushitintothetubingOnsomepunchesthetipmaybecomecloggedwithextractedtubingclearitoutbeforepunchingagain
ConvertyoursprinklerstodripIfsomecircuitsofyourconventionalsprinshyklersystemarewateringplantsthatcouldbemoreefficientlyirrigatedwithdripyoucanretrofityoursystembymakinguseoftheexistingundergroundpipes
ThevariousconversionsystemscallforremovingalltheconventionalsprinshyklersonacircuitconnectingdripcomposhynentsatoneormorerisersandcappingallrisersthatarenrsquotusedInmostcasesyoumustaddafilterandpressureregulashytortotheline
MaintainyourdripsystemAsyourgardenmaturesyoursquollneedtoinstallnewemittersandincreasethenumberofemitterswateringyourplantsYoursquollalsoneedtocheckyoursystemoccasionallytolookforcloggedemittersorbrokenlinesHerersquosaseasonshybyshyseasonguidetodripshysystemmaintenance
BeginningoftheseasonnOpentheendcapsorflushvalvenCleanfiltersnRunwaterthroughsystemtoclearreplaceendcapsnAfterthefirstcoupleofusesinspringmakesurewettingpatternisasexpectedIfemitterisnrsquotworkingcleanorreplaceitnInspectlinesforleaksnAdjustautomaticcontrollerifnecessary
PeakseasonnCheckforevidenceofleakssuchaspuddlesorerodedsoilandsecureloosetubing
Emitter
Stake
Hosebibb
Timer
Pressureregulatorandfilter
BranchAnti-linesiphon
device
Mainline
Dripkitsforpots
nReplaceorcleancloggedemittersandminisprinklersnMoveemittersfartherfromplantrsquosbaseastheplantgrowsaddemittersnCleanthefilterasneedednAdjusttimerwiththechangingseasons
WinternIncoldshywinterareasremoveendcapsandcapsonfiltersanddrainlinesnInfreezingweathershutoffpressurizedwaterbringbatteryshyoperatedtimersindoorsdrainvalveassemblies(antisiphoncontrolvalvefilterandpressureregulator)andopenendcaps
Troubleshoot your drip system The problemOneplantlooksthirstyThe solution DigintorootzoneandifsoilisdrychecktoseeiftheemitteriscloggedIfemitterworksbutthereareextensivedryareasthereprobablyarenrsquotenoughemittersaroundtheplantThe problem PlantsononelinelookthirstyThe solutionLookforabreakinthelinebetweenlasthealthyplantandfirstthirstyoneThe problem PlantsononevalvelookthirstyThe solutionIfemittersareworkingyoumaybeunderwateringThe problemAllplantslookthirstyThe solutionCheckyourcontrollerandtheon-offorrainshutoffbuttonandresetifnecessaryIftheyarefinecheckmoisturearoundrootsIfsoilisdrylookforabreakinmainwaterlinebeforethevalvesIfsystemisingoodrepairincreasewateringtimeThe problem PlantslookyellowishsoiliswetThe solutionYouareoverwateringreducewater-ingtimeonvalveThe problemWaterpuddlesonthesurfaceThe solution Youprobablyhaveclaysoilchangeemit-terstoalowergphorrunthesystemforashortertimeandrepeatcycles
PLANTS
Lowshrubs
Mediumtolargeshrubs
Smalltrees(6-to8-footcanopy)
Largertrees(10-to15-footcanopy)
Ground-coversspacedatleast2feetapart
Ground-coverscloselyspaced
Bedsofflowersorvegetables
Containers
Howdeep
SOIL
SandyLoamClay
SandyLoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
Sandy
LoamClay
SandyorloamClay
Anysoil
SandyLoamClay
Pottingsoil
Connector
A hassle-free way to water container plants automatically
Usingatimeddrip-irrigation requiredbymanylocalitiessystemtowatercontainers Ifyourkitdoesnrsquothavetheseensuresyourgarden-in-pots componentspurchasethemgetsthewateritneedsmdashwith- separatelyDifferentmanufac-outwastemdashevenifyoursquore turersrsquocomponentsusuallyneglectfuloronthego arenrsquotinterchangeablesoif
Youcanchooseaprepack- youthinkyoumayneedextraagedkitmanyareeasytoput partsitrsquosbesttobuyfromatogetherGetonethatincludes vendorthatsellsindividualatimerafilterapressure drip-irrigationpiecesregulatorandanantisiphon Positioncontainerswheredevice(alsocalledabackflow youwantthembeforeyoupreventerorvacuumbreaker) layanytubing(andmeasurewhichkeepsirrigationwater carefullysinceitrsquoshardtofrombeingdrawnbackinto removefittingsoncetheyrsquorethepublicwatersystemandis connected)Onatimed
Emitter
Endclamp
systemtheplantsshouldhavesimilarwaterneedstrytousecontainersinthesamesizerangeAfteryousetupturnyoursystemonandmonitoritforacoupleofcyclestomakesureeverythingworksprop-erlyLookforleaksandassessflowadjustingasnecessarySOURCESDripWorks(dripworks usacom) andRaindrip(raindrip com) sellkitstheUrbanFarmerStore(urbanfarmer storecom) sellsseparatecomponentsandoffersadviceforcustomizedsystems
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Shadingshowsverticalwettingpatternnoticehowmuchdeeperwatergoesinsandysoilthaninclay
Sandy Loam Clay
20 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 21
Irrigation
A
B
B E
C
TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
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Irrigation
HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
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How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
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APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
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THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
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PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
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Irrigation
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TherightwateringsystemWhich irrigation system is best for you Lawn(A) nHoseshyendsprinklerscanworkwellforasmalllawnnUndergroundsprinklersattachedtoacontrollerwillwateralargeorsmallareamoreprecisely
Annualsandperennials(b) nOverheadwateringmaycauseflowerstodrooporspottingonpetalscertainspeciesaremoresubjecttodiseaseifnotcarefullywaterednUndergroundsprinklerswithpopshyuprisersworkinextensiveflowerbedsRisersshouldbetallenoughthatfoliagedoesnrsquotblockspraynChoosedripshyemitterlinesforbedswithcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedplants
Vegetables(C) nHandshywaterwithbasinsandfurrowsnUsesoakerhosesonflatgroundnInstallalowshyvolumesystemwithemitterlineforcloselyspacedplantsindividualemittersforwidelyspacedvegetablesnPositionplantswithsimilarwateringneedsBiggerplantsneeddeeperirrigashytionthansmallplantsorseedlingsdoPlantsthatarefloweringorsettingfruitneedmorewater
Groundcovers(D) nUseundergroundsprinklersselectstationaryheadsforplantingsmorethanafoottallandlowshyprecipitationshyrateheadsforgroundcoversonaslopenDripemittersaresuitableforshrubbygroundcoversnDripminispraysworkwellformassplantshyingsofsmallgroundcovers
Roses(E) nSoakerhosesworkwellonlevelgroundnUndergroundsprinklerswithflatshyheadsprayersrunearlyinthedaykeepleavesdryhelpingtopreventdiseasenDripirrigationwithemitterlineworkswellwithcloselyspacedbushesOruseindividualemittersforeachbush
Treesandshrubs(F) nUsesoilbasinstodirectwatertorootsandavoidrunoff(seepage15)nSoakerhosesworkforoccasionaldeepshywateringofestablishedtreesnLowshyvolumesystemswithemittersormicrosprinklersaremostefficientespeshyciallyonslopingground
Nativesanddrought-adaptedplants(G) nUseoozeshytypesoakerhosesatlowpressurenUselowshyflowdripwithamanualshutoffvalvenNativesanddroughtshyadaptedplantsneedlittletonowateraftertheyareestablished
Containerplants(H) nHandshywatergentlywithanozzlenSubmergepotsforahalfshyhourintubsofwatertosaturatesoilnUsedripforpotsWatersmallpotstwotofiveminutesseveraltimesadayBigpotsrequiremorewaterperapplicationbutlessfrequently(seepage21)
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Choose the right professional Hiringaprofessionaltohelpinstallanirrigationsystemislikehiringanyotherskilledcontractorn Getseveralquotesn Askforclientreferencesandcontactthemtomakesuretheywerehappywiththeworkn Asktoseeacontractorrsquoslicensecertificatesofinsur-anceandproofofanyspecialirrigationtrainingn MakesureyouwillgetthefeaturesyouwantFindoutwhichbrandsandmodelsofirrigationequipment(espe-ciallysprinklersandtimers)willbeusedandwhyn Askaboutplantsineachhydrozoneandhowthesystemwillneedtobechangedorupdatedasplant-ingsmaturen Ifyourlandscapeusesnativeplantsmakesurethecontractorhasexperiencedesigningsystemsthatsuittheplantsrsquospecialneedsn Discussthemainprinciplesofirrigationandjudgewhetherthepotentialinstallerknowsup-to-datesystemsHerearesomegoodquestionstoask
Whatarethebestsprin-klersforthelawnAresprinklerheadsaminimumof4-to6-inchpop-upsWilltheybeproperlyspacedforhead-to-headcoverage
Willthesystemneedbuilt-incheckvalvesandpressure-regulatingvalves
Cantheirrigationsystembetailoredforthevariousplantings(hydrozones)intheyardWhatisthebestwaytowatereachzone
22 Sunset EasyWater-WiseGardening 23
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HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
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How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
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PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
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sett
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HowtomanagethirstyplantsAnnuals vegetables roses and lawns usually need a lot of watering Here are ways to save water but also have a bettershylooking lawn and healthier plants
AnnualsUseless-thirstytypesAfricandaisiesCaliforniapoppiescelosiacreepingzinniacosmosdwarfmorninggloriesgaillardiamarigoldsnicotianapetuniasportulacasalviasnowshyonshytheshymountainverbenaandvincacanallgetbyonlesswaterthanmostotherannualscanPlantonlyforvisualimpactLimitplantshyingstoareaswheretheyrsquollbeseenupclosesuchasnearentrywaysoraroundpatiosanddecksStartwithsmallplantsorsowseedsThesewilldevelopmoreextensiverootsystemsthanlargerplantsusinglesswateroverthelonghaulPlantinpartshadeParticularlyininlandareasprovideshadefromhotlateshyafternoonsunWorktheseasonsPlantwhentheweatherisidealforquickestablishment(inmostcasesfallistheidealtimetoplant)ForplantingtimesseetheSunset Western Garden Book Groupplantscloseenoughthatmatureplantswillcompletelyshadethesoil
VegetablesWheneverpossiblestartplantsfromseedTheseplantsusuallydevelopstronshygeranddeeperrootsBuysmalltransplantsAvoidseedlingsthatareobviouslyrootboundTryheirloomvarietiesTheseincludelsquoAnasazirsquobeanswhicharewelladaptedtohotdryclimatesTimeplantingtoletvegetablesgetwellestablishedbeforewarmweatherFor
24 Sunset
plantingtimeschecktheSunset Western Garden Book PlantinfurrowsDigfurrows6to8inchesdeepthensoworplantinthebottomofthetrenchnotonthesidesortopofthefurrowBuildbasinsaroundvegetablesthatneedwidespacingmdashsquashmelonsandtomatoesPlanttomatoseedlingsdeepLeavejustthetoptwoleavesexposedplantswilldevelopbetterrootsystemsPlantclosetogetherSpaceplantssothefoliagewilleventuallytouchthiswillshadethesoilanddiscourageweedsPlantearly-ripeningvarietiesTheywillneedfewerirrigations
RosesPlantbare-rootWinterplantinggivesbareshyrootrosesplentyoftimetogetestablishedbeforehotweatherCutbackonwateringafterspringbloomManyestablishedrosesmdashespeciallyoldshrubandspecieskindsmdashcangetbyonsurprisinglylittlewaterMulchheavilyUseatleast3inchesoforganicmatterreplenishoftenRemovesuckersWaituntilnextwintertodootherpruningDonrsquotdeadheadLethipsdeveloptosuppressgrowth
LawnsStillfirmlyrootedinbackyardsacrosstheWestlawnsareresponsibleforasmuchashalfofoutdoorresidentialwateruseandstudiesshowthatmostaresignishyficantlyoverwateredMowhigherSetyourmowerat2to21frasl2
inchesforbluegrass2to3inchesfortallfescueand1inchforwarmshyseasongrassessuchasBermudaandzoysiaCheckevapotranspiration(ET)guidelineswithyourwaterdepartmentManylawnscanstaypartiallygreenatevenhalfoftherecommendedratesAdjustwateringtimesaccordingtotheseasonsKnowyoursprinklersystemTofindouthowmuchwateryoursprinklersapplyplacefivestraightshysidedcansorcups(morecupswillgiveabetterreading)randomlyonyourlawnRunthesprinklers
for15minutesthenmeasurethewaterineachcupForexampleif14inchofwatercollectsin15minutesyoursprinklersdeliver1inchanhourIfnecessarymakeadjustmentsAlsowatchsprinklersrunandfixleaksclogsobstructionsandbrokenheadsCutbackonfertilizerToomuchnitrogenencourageswatershythirstynewgrowthWaterforshortintervalsThiswaythesoilcanabsorbthemoisturewithoutwastefulrunoffSwitchtolow-volumesprinklersTheseapplywateratarateslowenoughforthesoiltoabsorbIncreasewaterpenetrationUseapoweraerator(availableinrentalyards)thisalsoreducesthatchandrunoffReduceirrigationinshadyareasStretchthetimebetweenirrigations
ItsnaturaltowantalawnifyourhouseholdincludesactivekidsButchoosetherightgrassandkeepthelawnsmallandwellmanagedtominimizewateruse
DuringdroughtorwatershortagesletthelawngodryManylawngrassesincludingBermudatallfescueandzoysiawillgreenupwhentheycanbewateredagainOtherwiseyoucanalwaysreplantReplacedifficult-to-waternarrowstripsoflawnorgrassgrowingonslopeswithlessthirstygroundcoversChoicesincludeCoprosma kirkii(Sunsetclimatezones14ndash1721ndash24)dwarfcoyotebrush(Baccharis pilulariszones7ndash91114ndash24) starjasmine(Trachelo spermum jasminoideszones8ndash91113ndash24)andtrailingAfricandaisy(Osteoshyspermum fruticosum zones8ndash913ndash24)Switchtodrought-tolerantgrasssuchastallfescueorhybridBermudaOrbetteryetplantalocallynativelowshywatergrassChoicesvarybyregionbutmightincludePacifichairgrasscreepingredfescueorbuffalograss
Minutes
50
40
30
20
10
How season affects watering Plantsusemorewaterduringhotdryweathersoyouneedtoirrigatemoreinsummerthaninspringorfall(Inwinterinmanyareasyoudonrsquotneedtowateratall)AlsowinddriesoutplantsfasterthanstillairsoplantsrequiremorewaterduringwindyweatherDaylengthalsoinfluenceswaterrequirementsFromJanuaryuntilJune21(summersolstice)daysgrowlongerwhilefromlateJuneuntilDecember21(wintersolstice)theygrowshorterThatrsquoswhyinJulyduringaweekoflonger80degdaysyourlandscapewillrequiremorewaterthanduringaweekof80degdaysinDecem-ber
AsobviousasthissoundsgardenersoftenforgettoadjustautomaticcontrollersaccordingtoweatherandseasonsGardenersshouldwaterlessincoolweatherturnsprin-klersoffaltogetherinwinterorduringrainyspellsandincreasewateringwhenitrsquoswindyorhot
TheillustrationaboveshowsthemaximumweeklywaterneedsofsomelawnsinNorthernCaliforniaThesprinklerruntime(theminutescolumn)isbasedonanapplicationrateof2inchesperhourspreadoutoveraweekItpeaksinJulyanddwindlestonothinginmidwinter
EasyWater-WiseGardening 25
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
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Ro
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AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
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THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
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hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
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hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
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Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
Savings MulchmorethanaprettyfaceSixofourfavoritesplusthebasicsyouneedtoknow
HazelnuthullsGoodforgeneraluseandidealforpathsbecausehullsletwaterthrougheasilyanddonrsquotsticktoshoesMostreadilyavailableinandaroundOregonrsquosWillametteValleyApply2ndash3inches
Decomposedgranite(DG)CompactsquicklyanddoesnrsquottendtoblowawayEspeciallyattractiveinSouthwesternanddesertlandscapesbutcanbepronetoweedsApply1ndash2inches
TumbledglassPricey($3ndash$7apoundormore)sousedmainlytoaddcolorandpunchtosmallareas
StrawLightlooseoptionletswaterpassthrougheasilygoodaroundvegetableandstrawberrybedsBuyatlivestock-feedstoresDonrsquotusehaywhichhasseedheadsthatmaygerminateintoweedsApply4ndash5inches
CutbarkMadefromdifferenttypesofwoodbasedonwhereyouliveagoodall-purposechoiceTheminisizeshownheregiveslandscapesapolishedlookApplysmallsize2ndash3incheslarger4ndash5inches
ShreddedbarkSlowtodecomposewithamorewoodsynaturallookthancutbarkIrregularbitsandshreddedpiecesknittogethersoitstaysinplaceUsefulonslopesandinwindyareasApply2inches
26 Sunset
Fro
m L
eft
Ro
b D
Br
od
ma
n E
Sp
en
ce
r t
oy
AddmulchandsavewaterQampAthebasicsNomatterwhatconditionyourgardenisinaddingalayerofmulchwillgiveitacleanfreshlyplantedlookButthebeneshyfitsofmulcharenotjustcosmeticMulchshyingisoneofthebestwaystomaintainsoilmoisture(andtosaveonyourwaterbill)insulaterootsfrombothheatandcoldandminimizetheneedtoweed
DependingonyourgardensituationmanymaterialscanmakegreatmulchesAtleftisasamplingofourfavoriteswhicharewidelyavailableinbagsorinbulkfromnurseriesandlandscapesupplycentersHerersquoswhatyouneedtoknowtogetstartedQWhatexactlyismulchAGenerallyspeakingmulchisanymateshyrialthatprotectssoilsurfaceandallowsairandwaterthroughMulchisusefuloveranareaofbaresoilandaroundplantedareasOrganicmulches(derivedfromplantmaterial)addnutrientsovertimeandenrichoverallsoilcompositionsotheyrsquorehardtobeatCompostagedmanurerakedleavespineneedlesandthinlayersoflawnclippings(aslongastheyrsquoreherbicideshyandpesticideshyfree)allworkforvarioussituationsYoucanalsooptforaninorganicmulchsuchasgravelgraniteorstoneQWillmanureburnmyplantsAItcanburntherootsofyourplantsifitrsquosnotwellcompostedsolookforbaglabelsthatspecificallysayldquowellshycompostedmanurerdquoBesuretoaskyoursupplierifyouarepurchasinginbulkQHowmuchshouldIbuyADeterminethesquarefootageyouwanttocoverandusethefollowingasaguideA2shycubicshyfootbagcoversanareaof8squarefeetto3inchesdeep1cubicyardofmulchcoversanareaof108squarefeetto3inchesdeep
QHowthicklyshouldIapplythemulchAIngeneralthedenserthemulchpartishyclesthelessyouneedQAnyapplicationtipsASpreadmulchtotheappropriatethickshynesstakingcaretokeepitafewinchesawayfromtreetrunksandthecrownsandstemsofplantsIfplacedtoocloselymulchcanretainmoistureandcauseplantsandtreestorotQHowcanIkeepmymulchcleanAInevitablyleavesandotherdebriswillfallonyourmulchYoucanremovelitterwithasmallhandrakeSomepeopleuseblowersbutlightermulchesmayblowawayalongwithunwantedmaterialQWhenshouldImulchAAtleastonceayearinearlyspringbeforeweedssproutYoucanalsoaddasecondlayerasatopdressinginlatefallQWhendoIremoveitAYoucanleavemulchinplaceindefishynitelyJustscrapeitasideifyouwanttoplantinamulchedareaQWhatrsquosthebestwaytomulchcontainerplantsAUsethesamedepthandapplicationtechniqueasformulchingontheground
HowawatermetercantrackwateruseYour water meter can tell you how much water you are using during a given time period and can help you monitor the amount of water you use indoors and outdoors on a daily basis It can also help you figure out how much water each appliance uses and whether therersquos a leak inside or outside the house But first yoursquoll need to learn to read your meter
HowtoreadyourwatermeterMostwatermetersarelocatedinin-groundconcreteboxestowardthestreetcurbsToexposethegaugeremovethecoverandflipopenthemeterrsquoscap
Straightreadingmeters(thesimplestmostcommontype)cantellyouhowmuchwateryoursquoreusinginagivenperiodSimplyrecordthefiguresshownononedayandthenagainadayorweeklaterandsubtracttheoriginalreadingfromthenewreadingToconvertcubicfeettogallonsmultiplyby748UsingthesameprocessyoucantesttheamountofwaterusedtotakeshowersorirrigateyourgardenTurnoffallwaterinsideandoutsidethehousereadthemeterthenrunsprin-klerstakeanewreading
ManynewwatermetersincludingtheonepicturedcomewithaleakdetectormdashasmalltriangleinthecenterofthemeterthatrotateswhenanyamountofwaterisusedIfthetrianglerotatesevenwhenallthewateristurnedofftherersquosaleaksomewhere
Ifyourmeterisofadifferentstylefromthosementionedherecallyourwateragencyforhelpreadingit
HowyourmetercanhelpyoucheckforleaksTocheckforleaksturnoffallwaterfaucets(includingyouricemaker)IfyourmeterdoesnrsquothavealeakdetectoritwillhaveasweephandRecordthemeterreadingormarktheneedlepositionwithapencilorpieceoftapeKeepthewateroffWaitatleast15to30minutes(someleakshaveacycle)
RereadthemetergaugetodetermineifanywaterhasbeenusedIfaleakisdetectedlikelyculpritsaretoiletsandirrigationsystems
EasyWater-WiseGardening 27
Clo
ck
wis
e f
ro
m F
ar
le
ft C
am
ille
No
rd
gr
en
(2
) R
ob
d B
ro
dm
an
Jim
Mc
Ca
usl
an
d (
2)
THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
S
E
W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
Clo
ck
wis
e f
ro
m F
ar
le
ft C
am
ille
No
rd
gr
en
(2
) R
ob
d B
ro
dm
an
Jim
Mc
Ca
usl
an
d (
2)
THEWATERSPILLSFROMTHEPIPE
INTOAPLANTEDINFILTRATION
BASIN
THEPIPERUNSTHE
LENGTHOFTHE
CHANNELANDUNDER
APERMEABLEPATH
hellipINTOAPLASTICCATCHBASINAT
THEBASEHIDDENBENEATHRIVER
ROCKS
FIRSTACOPPER
RAINCHAIN
CHANNELSRAINWATERFROMTHEROOFhellip
THEWATERMOVESTHROUGHA
hidden4shyINCHshyWIDEFLEXIBLEPLASTICPIPE
Savings
StoringuponarainydayFour ways to harvest and store precious rainwater
PlantaraingardenWhenrainfallsinSeattlehomeownerLynDillmansmilesWaterthatusedtorundownthestreetnowpoolsinathicklyplantedinfiltrationbasinatthegardenrsquosedgewhereitpercolatesintothegroundshywaterbelowldquoItrsquosawinshywinsituationrdquo
28 Sunset
sayslandscapedesignerMalissaGattonldquoThegardenhelpsreducethishouseholdrsquosenvironmentalfootprintAnybodycoulddoitrdquo
IfyouhavesoilthatdrainswellaraingardenisasatisfyingwaytotakeadvanshytageofafreenaturalresourceChannel
rainwaterfromtheroofintoashallowlyburiedpipethatemptiesintoaninfiltrashytionbasinorswaleatleast10feetawayfromyourhousewhereitcanreplenishgroundwaterGrowwatershytolerantplantssuchasshrubwillowsinthebasinDESIGN MalissaGatton(inharmonycom)
Hang a rain chain RainchainsreplacedownspoutsThe812-footchainpicturedspillsintoa16-inch-diameterbowl(itattachestothebowlsoitwonrsquotwhipinthewind)Thewaterthenoverflowsslowlyintoarock-coveredcatchbasinINFOCopperBellsrainchain($169) andhammered-copperdish($45rainchainscom)
ADDACISTERNAninchofrainputsabout600gallonsofwateratopa1000shysquareshyfoothouseRaingutterscaptureitfromadownspoutyoucandirectitintoacisterntohelpwateryourgardenAtIslandwoodEnvironmentalLearningCenteronBainbridgeIslandWashingshytonthreesteelcisternsstorerainwaterfromanearbyroofBythetimevegetashyblesstartgrowinginspringthetanksarefullandthewatertravelsthroughagravityshyfeddripsystemtoirrigatecropsINFOPicturedcisternsarefromTexasMetalCisterns($380 for 200shygallon size to $1070 for 1200shygallon size texas metalcisternsnet)
EasyWater-WiseGardening 29
INSTALLARAINBARRELRainbarrelstypicallyholdabout50to60gallonseachmdashenoughtoirrigatehouseplantsorpotsonthedeckThebesttypeismadeofrecycledfoodshygradeplastic(orusearecycledwinebarrelliketheonepictured)withanintakelinespigotoverflowattachmentscreencovertokeepoutleavesandremovablesolidcoverPositionthebarrelbeneathadownspouttokeeptherainwaterpureremovethesolidcoveranhourortwoafterrainfallhaswashedpollenandotherpollutantsofftheroofRainbarrelscostabout$100to$150each
N
S
E
W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31
N
S
E
W
Savings
PuttingitalltogetherEleven elements of a watershyconserving landscape WhenwinterrainscomeitmaybetemptshyingtodreamofplantinglargelawnsandlushflowerbedsYetmanyregionsoftheWestreceivelessthan10inchesofrainperyearandperiodsofdroughtarepartoftheWestrsquosnaturalcycleKeepingthebigpictureinmindcanhelpyoumakesmartlandscapingdecisionsAnyofthelandshyscapefeaturesdescribedherecanresultinsubstantialwatersavings
SHADETREESONTHEWESTSIDEOFTHEHOUSEChoosedeciduoustypesthatshadeandcoolthehouseduringsummerthendroptheirleavestoallowinsunlightduringwinterUnthirstychoicesformildclimatesincludeChinesepistacheandhoneylocust
IRRIGATIONCONTROLLERInstallanautomaticcontrollertoscheduleirrigationtimesResetprogramsseasonallyandafterpoweroutages
PAVERSWITHSPACERSANDUNTHIRSTYPLANTSForpatiosurfacesoptforpaverssuchasflagstonesorrecycledconcretepiecesGrowunthirstyplantssuchascreepingthymeorsnow-in-summerinspacesbetween
COMPOSTBINInstallabintoturnyourgardenrsquosbrownplantwasteintodeeprichcompostDigfinishedcompostintothesoiltoimprovethesoilrsquoswater-absorbingcapability
PERMEABLEDRIVEWAYUsedecomposedgraniteorpaverswithspacesbetweenthisallowsrainwatertopassintothesoilratherthanrunningoffdownthestreet
LOWshyWATERTURFIfyoumusthaveapatchoflawnkeepitsmallandchooseanativegrassthatrsquosappropriateforyourregionExamplesBluegramabuffalograss(desertareas)CreepingredfescuePacifichairgrass(Deschampsia cespitosa holciformis)
DRIPshyIRRIGATEDRAISEDBEDSFORVEGETABLESUsedriptubingorsoakerhosesinraisedbedstheyputirrigationwaterrightwhereplantsneeditwithnorunofforwaste
30 Sunset
PLANTSGROUPEDBYWATERNEEDSPlacethirstierplantstogetheranddrought-resistantplantselsewhereThenputplantsthatneedregularwateronseparateirrigationsystemsandschedules
RAINshyHARVESTINGSYSTEMChannelrainwaterfromyourhomersquosdownspoutintoasubsurfacecatchmentbasinwhereitcanreplenishthegroundwater
DROUGHTshyTOLERANTGROUNDCOVERForareasthatdonrsquotgetfoottrafficchooseunthirstygroundcoverssuchas Arctostaphylos uva-ursi CarmelCreeperceanothuslow-growingjunipersorcreepingthyme
TOUGHSHRUBSFillbordersorspacesalongfenceswithundemandinglow-waterbeautiessuchaschuparosalavenderrosemaryorsmokebush(Cotinus coggygria)
howtofightdroughtWhendroughtcomesandwithitthepossibilityoflocalbansonlawnwateringorpunishinghikesinwaterbillswhatcanyoudoItrsquostoolateatthatpointtoinstallawater-conservinglandscapesinceevendrought-tolerantplantsneedwatertogetestablishedButyoucantakestepstosavetheplantsyouhave
SaveestablishedtreesandshrubsfirstThesearecostlytoreplaceandhavethegreatestimpactonyourlandscape(Alawncanbereplacedinanafternoonfromsodbuta70-foot-tallredwoodcantake20yearsormoretoreplace)Landscapetreessuchasashbirchpoplar(ripariantreesthatinnaturegrownearwater)aldercoastredwoodmagnoliaandJapanesemapleareoftenthefirstplantstoshowsignsofdroughtstressWeakenedtreeslikeMontereypinemaynotdiedirectlyfromdroughtbutinviteborerswhichcanfinishthem
GivethetreesadeepirrigationinlatespringandtheyrsquollbefarbetterequippedtowithstanddroughtTherootsofvariousplantsgrowtodifferentdepthsthetrickistoapplyjustenoughwatertomoistentherootswithoutgoingbeyondMosttreerootsarelocatedinthetop2feetofsoilThedriplineofatreeorshrubrunsaroundtheperimeterofthecanopyandvirtuallyoutlinestherootzoneonthegroundbelowOnceyouidentifytherootzonefocusyourresourcesonthatareaToincreasewaterpenetrationbeforewateringdrill1-inchholes1to2feetdeepeveryfewfeetaroundthedriplineandfillthemwithorganicmulchoruseaspadeorpitchforktoroughupthesoilsurfaceIfthesoilisdryatadepthof10to12inches(checkitwithasamplingtube)moistenthesoil18to24inchesdeep
CoilsoakerhosesaroundthetreeatthedriplineandhalfwaybetweenthedriplineandthetrunkapplymulchovertherootareathenallowhosestorunslowlyovernightFormostbigtreesyoursquollneedabout10gallonsofwaterperinchoftrunkdiameterripariantreesneedtwicethatamountReducelawnwateringTostaygreenallsummerlawnsneed1to2inchesofwaterperweekTurnonthesprinklersforabout10minutesonceaweekturnthemofftoletmoisturesoakinthenturnthemonagainforanotherfewminutesOrcutbackto1inchofwatereverytwoweeksunderthisregimenlawnsturnstraw-coloredandgosemidormantbutbouncebackquicklyafterweathercoolsinfallAlsomowhighandkeepthemowerbladessharpDonrsquotoverfertilizetoomuchnitrogenencour-agestheproductionofthirstynewgrowth
WaterlandscapeplantsnearlawnsPlantsgrowinginornearawell-wateredlawnbecomedependentonthatirrigationIflawnirrigationisabruptlycutoffthoseplantswillsufferandneedsupplementalwaterMonitorshallow-rootedshrubsOnazaleasrhododendronsandyoungcamelliaswatchforwiltingordroopingofnewgrowthBuildbasinsaroundthem(makesurewaterwonrsquotpoolagainstthetrunks)andgivethemadeepsoakinAprilwithclearwater(soapywateronrhododendronscancauseleafburn)MulchItbearsrepeatingAlayerofmulchhelpskeepmoistureinthesoil(seepage26)Thebestmulches(barkchipsforexample)donrsquotcompacteasilybutallowsufficientairandwatertoreachplantrootsIrrigatefruittreesMoststone-fruittreescansurvivesomedroughtalthoughtheyrsquollproducesmallerfruitsandfewerflowerbudsnextyearButtheyrsquollbebetteroffwithadeepirrigationinAprilandagaininJune(Citrusmayneedaddi-tionaldeepwateringinsummerwatchforwilt-ingyellowingorcurlingleaves)
Applywaterslowlyanddeeplyatthedriplinewithsoakerhosesasdescribedforbigtreesormakeabasin4to6inchesdeepundereachtreeextendittothedripline(3inchesbeyondifyoucansparemorewater)anduseahosetofillthebasinslowlyCoverswimmingpoolsAgoodpracticeevenwhenwateruseisunrestrictedcoveringanunusedswimmingpoolduringtimesofdroughtisespeciallyimportantApoolcovercanstop90percentofwaterevaporationwasteevenallowingfortimeswhenthepoolisinuseManystylesandmaterialsareavailableinclud-ingtranslucentair-cellplastictypessoldatswimming-poolsupplystoresToavoidacci-dentsentirelyremoveanycoverbeforejump-ingintothewater
EasyWater-WiseGardening
An
nie
Bis
sett
31