10 Tips for Saving Water in the Garden

Saving water in your garden and yard trims your water bill and saves an increasingly scarce natural resource.
A water-efficient landscape can:

• Reduce outdoor water use by 20% to 50%
• Save up to 10,000 gallons a year
• Shave $30 to $70 off the average annual household water bill.
• Planting drought-tolerant landscaping is one way to turn off the spigot in your garden. Here are other tips for saving water while growing flora.

1. Choose native plants


Native plants have had eons to adjust to the area’s normal rainfall, soil, and climate. Once established, they require little or no watering. Start your research on native plants at your local cooperative extension or botanical garden.


Websites such as eNature.com or H2ouse can help you find the best species for your location. Portland-based PlantNative has a handy database of nurseries nationwide that specialize in native plants. [Continue reading...]