The drought situation in California has hit historic proportions. Although South Floridians do not have to be as conservative with their water usage, it’s always a good idea to keep it top of mind when considering a landscape design.
If you’re interested in developing a water-smart solution for your home or commercial property, there are a few things to consider for water-efficiency. Different geographic areas have the ability to support specific plant species without any supplemental water. Native plants will require minimal amounts of water and flourish in local soil and climate conditions, which translates to low amounts of fertilizer and pest control maintenance. Another good idea is to plant drought tolerant plants, like the silver saw palmetto, goldenaster and pink muhly. These South Florida native plants require little if any irrigation. Also, when mapping out the design, try to place plants with similar watering needs together. This will reduce water use and prevent the plants from being overwatered or underwatered.
Besides knowing what to plant, it’s important to know when to water. It’s best to water your plants in the early morning. Not only are evaporation rates at their lowest, but early morning watering also provides plants with hydration before the mid-day heat.
A well-designed landscape has the potential to add beauty to your property, and cut your water use, and ultimately provide an economic advantage.