California Guide to Water Wise Gardening - California American Water’s

1. California American Water’s
Reduce Water Use with Water Wise Gardening
GUIDE TO WATER WISE GARDENING
Brought to you by: California gardeners know that our state’s dry,
hot summers and limited water resources can
create special gardening challenges. Selecting
the right plants, especially those that are
drought-resistant, or have low water needs, has
become increasingly important.
640 Larkfield Center Drought-tolerant or “xeriscape” landscaping is a
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 practical and easy way to enjoy plants that will
(707) 542-8329 thrive in your garden with less maintenance,
chemical use and watering. A naturally-maintained
To request more information
garden using native and drought-tolerant plants
about our conservation and
rebate programs, please
with low water needs is healthier for people, pets
email us at:
and the environment.
caw.conserve@amwater.com California American Water’s recently complete
or visit us online at: Larkfield garden at 4790 Londonberry Drive,
Larkfield Water Wise Community Demonstration Garden, 4790 Londonberry Drive www.californiaamwater.com. includes a number of low water-use plants,
shrubs and trees. In addition to being an inviting
benefit to the neighborhood, the new garden
requires less irrigation and showcases the wide
variety of plant colors and textures available for
low water-use gardening.
TIP: Drought-tolerant and/or native plants,
often used in xeriscape gardening, remain
attractive throughout the year and require
less fertilizer and no pesticides, thereby
improving water quality.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO:
• Gwen Kilchherr, Landscape Consultant & Arborist, (707) 527-6177 Water wise gardens can be beautiful and low maintenance.
• Sonoma County Water Agency, www.scwa.ca.gov or (707) 526-5370 Visit California American Water’s newly planted demonstration
• Bryan Healey, Landscape Contractor, Healey Inc., (707) 541-0777 garden shown here at 4790 Londonberry Drive.

2. How to Create Your Water Wise Garden
matter prior to planting. This improves root Water Smart the soil is nearly dry. Adjust them seasonally and
development and improves water penetration Even low-water and as plants become more established. Consider
and retention. Now is also the time to create drought-tolerant plants installing a weather-based timer that automatically
raised beds, remove invasive weeds and add need irrigation their adjusts to the changing
rock or water features. first two or three climate and conditions
seasons. Group plants to save you time while
Pick the by water requirements giving your plants just
Right Plants so each area receives the right amount of
Whenever possible, just the right amount. watering.
choose native plants, Drip irrigation and Helianthemum
nummularium Proper pruning, weeding,
plants that thrive soaker hoses decrease ‘Wisely Pink’ (Sunrose) and annual additions of
without irrigation, or waste and save you mulch will help control Teucrium fruticans
plants with needs that money by applying water directly to the soil. ‘Azureum’ (Germander)
weeds save water,
match the climate
Identify the natural soil type in your garden enhance the beauty of your landscape and give
Verbena bonariensis and conditions in your
(clay, loam, sandy, etc.) and be sure to set your your new garden a chance to grow.
garden. Most are
easy to grow and have adapted to the local irrigation system to match. For example, tight
climate and pests. Selecting a wide variety of clay soil absorbs water slowly. Reduce irrigation
disease-resistant plants will attract wildlife and or water in shorter
Plan and Design intervals to prevent
insects that eat pests and enhance the beauty of
Plan before you plant. Assess site conditions, standing water and
your landscape as well.
including light, soil, drainage and moisture to run-off.
determine what plants will survive. Determine Plant Properly
how you want to use your garden and how much Hard-to-reach areas
Help your plants get off to a good start. Fall or winter
time you want to spend maintaining it. Plan such as slopes can
is the best time to plant, or early in the spring
to situate higher water-use plants nearest the be planted with
after the last frost. Dig
house and/or where natural water drainage ground covers that
a hole large enough
flows, while adding a wildlife garden in a less- Grevillea crowd out weeds,
to accommodate the (Coastal Gem)
traveled area. Consider plant variety, size, require little watering
plant’s roots. Prepare
texture, color, and bloom time to ensure year- and are easy to maintain. Keep watering
the soil by loosening
round interest. intervals on sloped terrain short (2 to 3 minutes)
and amending with
to prevent water waste from runoff.
compost and use mulch
Prepare the Site
to keep roots moist for Maintain the Momentum
Good soil is the most important ingredient for a
a more “finished” look. Euphorbia characias A well-maintained garden conserves water, time
healthy garden. Test your soil and work with your
local nursery or County Extension Office to add (Wulfenii) and resources. Check irrigation systems regularly
the proper amount of amendments and organic to ensure they are providing deep soakings when Drought-tolerant plant photos by Martin Fletcher
www.californiagardens.com