Teresa Odle lives and grows in southeastern New Mexico. A former Master Gardener, Odle now manages four acres, including a microfarm, in arid Southeastern New Mexico. She received Best Writing Silver and Gold Awards from GWA, the Association of Gardening Communicators, for her gardening blog www.gardeninginadrought.com. Odle also is active on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.
Sure, I realize that not every gardener sees the need to conserve water in the lawn and garden. In some parts of North America, the problem is too much rain. Still, avoiding waste of this precious resource should be a priority for every homeowner and gardener. If nothing else, saving water also can cut your monthly water bill.
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In the arid Southwest, where annual precipitation can be up to half of the national average (the U.S. average is about 30 inches a year, but we average only 14 inches a year in New Mexico), saving water is more than a personal value; it’s a necessity. Of course, we all want to save money, but not to the extent that we have dried-up turf or nothing but gravel on our lots.
Here are 10 ways to save money and water, but still enjoy some color and texture in the garden:
Xeriscaping doesn’t have to be boring and brown. Perennials and self-seeding flowers (cosmos) bring seasonal color.
Gaillardia, or blanketflower, pops up all over our garden each year. Sometimes we have too much. Chocolate flower (Berlandiera lyrata) is a xeric perennial here. And yes, the blooms smell like chocolate!
3. Use hardscape appropriately. Hardscaping, such as pavers, concrete patios and other nonplant materials can add interest and practicality to a garden. But a yard with nothing but gravel and cement is unattractive, causes water runoff and can increase heat in the garden and in your home. I get that rocks need no watering, but plastic fabric and rocks prevent water from reaching tree roots. Using caution protects shade trees and saves you money in the long run. Check out new water-permeable pavers and other products if you’re spending some money and time to landscape. At least water that hits these hard surfaces drains down to the water table.
We hauled a dead branch that was partially rotted from our orchard to the rock garden. Tim has filled it with lamb’s ear and planted nasturtium seeds.
This container was on-hand for clippings of a cactus Tim took from my daughter’s yard. The “tray” is an old plate left by the former owner of a former house. Is that repurposed repurposing?
4. Repurpose found objects. For that hardscaping, use rocks you find in your yard or on hikes (although check to see about permits for collecting rocks in forests, etc.). Repurpose household items as containers (just be sure to drill a drainage hole). Old serving plates make great plant trays for small containers. Fallen logs and driftwood add visual interest to a flower bed and make great planters or bed dividers.
This little cucumber is further along than the ones in our vegetable garden. And that’s good, because it’s in a container for convenience and decoration. I hope to trellis it up an old screen door.
6. Share with friends and family. Let’s say you did such a great job with those tomato starts that you have more than you need. Offer a plant to family or friends. Or trade food – let your sister grow the zucchini and you grow lettuce in your shady back yard. If you see an attractive wildflower in a neighbor’s yard, ask if you can save a few seeds from the plant in late summer or fall.
Native grass puts you more at Mother Nature’s mercy, but can look like a seeded turf. In smaller lawns, you still can water it, but will use much less than a non-native grass.
This DripWorks system waters our vegetable garden, saving time, water and plants! Although we had to buy parts of the system, we re-used lots of connections and hose left here by the former owner.
Drying lavender in the shed last year.
10.Enjoy your garden. Keep your garden simple to save water, money and time. But stock it with a few plants you love and spend time sitting in or walking through the landscape or patio. In fact, by bending down to smell or cut a flower or by hand-watering, you get a closer look at your plants so you can nip problems in the bud (excuse the pun). Most of all, enjoying your efforts gives you pride, satisfaction and relaxation. You can’t put a price on those feelings!
