Water is a resource that must not be wasted. Having a garden might require a lot of water to cater to the needs of your garden plants, but there are ways to create or design a garden that is water-conscious.
If your area has scarce water, it is ideal to design a garden that can help you suffice the nutrients your plants need. Typically, a hardscape and gravel are the most common technique to foster a lush water-scarce garden. However, before you start on your water-conscious garden, here are some tips for you to consider:
Water-Conscious Garden Guidelines
If your garden rarely has water abundance, it is best to choose plants that require less water than others. Low-water native plants such as succulents, bromeliads, plant sedums, agaves, yuccas, and pothos are a few of the plants that need very little water to thrive.
You can use your AC condensate to water your plants. Instead of putting it out, you can make use of it to save you money from running fresh water.
Plant trees to keep your garden in shade. The more shade you have, the more moisture your soil can hold onto. Trees can act as your backbone. However, during days of drought, it is best to deep water your tree to help it a little bit.
A brimming water feature is also another way to keep your desert garden cool and moisturised. The trick is to stray away from fountains that waste too much water spray. If you can find ways to use the least amount of water the better.
If it rains, try to collect rainwater by creating swales directing to your desert garden area.
A drip irrigation system with separate shrub valves is another method that will help you save water and get enough for your desert garden plants. It will help maintain the moisture in your soil especially during drought season.
When deciding on pavers, permeable pavers are ideal due to their ability to absorb moisture. Gravel is another option for driveways. They both allow water to penetrate deeply into the soil. Just make sure no plastic is underneath.
Mulches and compost soil will help retain the water and keep moisture in the soil.
A sloping lot is an advantage if you are to build a desert garden. You can create dams with stones or look for some salvaged concrete. Check dams can slow down rainwater and help it percolate into the soil.
You can also build a microclimate for your walls and shade structures. It will keep your desert plants shaded from direct sunlight.
Lastly, enjoy an outdoor shower using biodegradable and vegan soap and let your shower water slide down to your desert garden.
There are ways to keep your garden sustainable and these are just a few of the things you can do to save water. Water is a scarce resource. Once it is wasted, it will never be regained again. In these times when most natural resources are going to the minimum, it is best to practice sustainable gardening.
