“When the well is dry, we’ll know the worth of water.” — Benjamin Franklin

Beautiful, water-saving gardens are intentional, using principles of waterwise landscaping when it comes to planning and designing for water conservation, beauty and function. The most effective garden plans include consideration of plant selection and placement, use of the space, and maintenance.

How much water a plant will use is not always the same as how much it needs. Design gardens with plants appropriate to our climate, grouped according to water need. Water different hydrozones according to need rather than “setting and forgetting” an irrigation clock to water the whole yard evenly. Irrigation is applied to areas, not plant by plant. Even with a drip system, several plants are grouped in the same zone and receive water at the same rate according to need.

• Waterwise landscaping is not necessarily anti-turf but rather matches the landscape design to the site use and functionality. This is a change from historic landscape design where a little-used lawn requiring high water and fertilizer inputs was the predominant feature. Consider reserving turf for play areas and planning non-play areas to include xeric and native plants.

• Soil improvement is site-specific and depends on plant palette.

• Mulch reduces evaporation greatly compared to bare soil. Understand the pros and cons of different mulch materials and choose the best option for the site.

• Maintain good horticultural practices. Healthy plants are more tolerant of extreme conditions, including drought.

Steps to creating a waterwise, practical and pleasing outdoor living space:

• Site analysis identifies opportunities and obstacles of the existing landscape. Landscape professionals estimate that 90% of landscape maintenance problems arise from issues that could or should have been addressed with the site analysis. Keep a garden journal, recording concerns and success for future reference.

• Use analysis identifies landscape goals. How will the site be used?

• Design considerations include line (how the eye is encouraged to move through a space), scale, balance, color, and texture.

• Determine planted and hardscape areas, creating outdoor rooms, and consider grouping plantings into hydrozones to maximize irrigation efficiently. Create practical turf and non-turf areas.

• Refine preliminary design for efficient irrigation. Develop plant consideration lists based on hydrozones.

Consider rainfall where the site is. In Colorado, natural precipitation varies greatly, from below 7 inches per year to above 35 inches per year. What is the natural precipitation at your site? Colorado communities vary greatly in water resources. What is the situation in your community?

This article, excerpted from Colorado State University Garden Note 411 “Water-Wise Landscape Design: Steps authored by David Whiting, CSU Extension, retired, and Jeffry de Jong, Horticulturist, Victoria, BC, Canada, discusses in greater depth the steps to planning a waterwise garden.

Careful planning can make the most of your garden and available resources, taking into consideration your goals, your aesthetic, and how to make the most of our limited water resources.

Submit gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visit elpaso.extension.colostate.edu and register for upcoming classes at epcextension.eventbrite.com.