Creating an Earth Kind Landscape

An adequate supply of high qual-ity water has become a critical issue for the future prosperity of Texas. Booming populations have increased the demand on the state's already limited supply of high quality water. In addition, seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and periodic droughts have cre-ated a feast-to-famine cycle in Texas.In an attempt to reduce the excessive water use, Texas Cooperative Ex-tension is educating Texans on the principles of Earth Kind landscaping to help preserve and protect our most valuable natural resource. Traditional landscapes may incorporate one or two principles of water conservation, but they do not utilize the entire concept to reduce landscape water use effectively.

Earth Kind landscapes need not be cactus and rock gardens. They can be green, cool landscapes full of beautiful plants maintained with water-efficient practices. The same green Texas-style landscape which we are accustomed to can be achieved and still conserve water.

Start With a Plan:

Creating a water-efficient landscape begins with a well-thought-out land-scape design. Sketch your yard with locations of existing structures, trees, shrubs and grass areas. Then consider the landscape budget, appearance, function, maintenance and water requirements. Local landscape architects, designers, nurserymen and county Extension agents can help in this deci-sion making. Implementing your landscape design can be done gradually over several years.

Soil Analysis and Preparation:

To increase plant health and conserve water, add organic matter to the soil of shrub and flower bed areas. This increases the soil's ability to absorb and store water in a form available to the plant. As a rule-of-thumb, till in 4 to 6 inches of organic material such as shredded pine bark, peat and rice hulls. For trees, however, incorporating organic matter is not necessary; for large turfgrass areas, it is not economically feasible.

Plant Selection:

Select trees, shrubs and groundcovers based on their adaptability to your region's soil and climate. Texas is blessed with an abundance of beautiful native plants which are naturally adapted to the region. Most have lower water demands, fewer pest problems and less fertilizer needs than many nonadapted, exotic plants brought into Texas land-scapes. Through the support of the nursery industry, native Texas plants are becoming more available in retail nurseries and garden centers. Com-bining Texas natives with well-adapted non-native plants is a key to a beautiful, interesting landscape which conserves water. See our Web site for a comprehensive listing of drought tolerant plants for your area. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/

Grass Selection:

When considering a landscape's water requirement, it is impor-tant to note that turfgrasses require more frequent watering and maintenance than most other landscape plants. Carefully select grass according to its intended use, planting location and mainte-nance requirements.

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Creating an Earth Kind Landscape