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Tip:
Attend
the Water Smart Garden Tour on August 9th and 10 from 10-4pm.
Click here for more info.
Did you know
that the type of sprinkler heads you use can make a big difference
in how much water you use? There are super efficient
sprinklers on the market now that are highly recommended for
saving water. For example, the MP Rotator® sprinkler puts out a
multi-stream spray that has high uniformity with low precipitation
rates to allow the water to more effectively get into the
soil. Click
here for website.
The sprinklers will work if
your irrigation system is well designed. Contact an irrigation
specialist if you need help designing your system. Consult a certified
Green Gardener for advice on in-ground sprinkler systems. For
more information on watering efficiently and to locate a Green
Gardener in your area, visit www.green-gardener.org
Water-wise
landscape design and management focus on working with nature
and natural forces (such as rainfall) to create an
aesthetically pleasing, livable landscape, while using less
water from the local supply.
Minimizing the need
for watering in your landscape requires careful observation,
planning, and common sense. Several principles for water-wise
landscaping include choosing the best design and plants,
preparing soils, and watering properly for efficient water
use.
But before you jump
into your conservation landscaping project, envision how you
want your yard to look:
- Do you need a deck with lots of room for
entertaining?
- Do children need a large lawn area for
romping?
- Are you a backyard vegetable gardener?
- Do you need privacy? How much?
- Where are the sunny and shady areas? Note
the location of existing rocks slopes, drainage areas,
structures and plants
Plant selection and
placement are key elements in conservation landscaping. The
use of low water-use plants is only one aspect of water-saving
landscaping. Many medium or high water use plants can be used
if they are grouped together and watered together by area.
Irrigation management:
Technology such as
weather based irrigation controllers and drip irrigation lines
won't save you water unless you have a well managed irrigation
system. Follow these tips to keep your system running
efficiently:
- Make sure drip lines are
not clogged or leaking regularly.
- Aim sprinkler heads on
the plants, not the sidewalk.
- Change out your back-up
battery in the irrigation timer in case of a power outage.
If it loses power, all your schedules will be set to
default which uses far too much water.
The District offers
customers the following Sunset Magazine guides to help plan
the most attractive, efficient, and water-wise landscapes.
Come by the office to pick up your copy, or e-mail
to request one to be mailed to you. In
addition, Water-wise
Garden Mini Grants are available to
non-profit organizations and schools to help fund innovative projects designed to encourage public
acceptance. desire for, and use of water-wise landscapes. Call
831-475-8500 for any questions.
If you
enjoy sharing your water-wise garden with others and would
like to enter the contest and tour, enter your garden in the
2008 Water-Smart Garden Contest with the Monterey Bay Master
Gardeners Click
here for more information.
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