Water Wise Landscape

Tip: Did you know that the type of sprinkler heads you install 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 a selection of Sunset Magazine guides (see below) 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 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.

Water-Smart Gardening in Santa Cruz County A free online tool to help create inspirational water smart landscapes in our diverse local climate.  View beautiful local gardens for design ideas, use interactive tools to design your garden, evaluate hundreds of plants and make a plant list, learn how to reduce landscape water use, and resolve your pest problems with less toxic methods.  Sponsored by The Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County.
Water-wise Gardening for California This 16-page booklet for California gardeners includes climate zone discussion, plant lists, garden border plans, guidelines for water conservation, and water-saving tips.
Smart Water and Energy Use in the West This 16-page booklet discusses water and energy concerns in the West and how to use these resources wisely. Practical suggestions include no-cost, low-cost, and more costly solutions for conserving water and energy in the house and garden.
How to Water Your Garden This 16-page booklet discusses Western soils, watering efficiencies, and water-saving manual, sprinkler, and low-flow irrigation systems.