Environment Publications 1998
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Green Landscaping: Seven Principles
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(From left)
Big Bluestem,
Wild Rose,
Harebell |
Use minimal water to create a healthy yard
Quick Facts:
Water demand is highest during the summer growing season, mainly
due to lawn watering.
Typically, 50% of the water consumed by a single family household
during the growing season is used to irrigate lawn and garden areas.
1. Planning and Design
Consider:
Site characteristics: drainage, sun, shade, wind, slopes, noise,
privacy.
Your needs and wants: garden, entertainment, service, and play
areas.
Draw your plan on paper: measure your yard, and
include structures and plants you will be keeping. Then try various
ideas on paper.
2. Soil
Most plants grow best in loamy soil that drains
well and contains organic material.
If your plants are not doing as well as you would
expect, a soil analysis may help in determining your problem. Call an
accredited lab for information.
3. Reduce Turf Area
Decide how much lawn area you want. Then, gradually
reduce the excess by removing the lawn and replanting with appropriate
low maintenance plants.
4. Irrigation
If you do have to irrigate, water deeply, but not
often.
The larger the drop size, the less evaporation will
occur. Apply the water as close to the ground as possible. If water
begins to pond while watering, water for 15 minute intervals until the
needed water has been applied.
Minimize your need for irrigation. Group plants
according to their water needs, and according to the attributes of the
area of your yard. If you have one area which is extremely hot and
dry, use drought tolerant species. However, if you have an area that
is always damp or wet, consider using plants that grow well in that
environment.
5. Mulches
Mulching assists soil in retaining moisture,
reducing weed growth and preventing erosion. Anything from straw,
grass clippings, leaves or newspaper to wood chips, pine cones,
compost or peat moss can be used as a mulch. Apply the mulch 3 to
4 inches thick, ensuring the mulch does not touch the stalks or trunks
of plants.
6. Plant Selection
Choose plants that are appropriate for the area of
your yard (sun versus shade, dry versus wet, etc.).
Consider size, colour, and texture of the plants.
Plants native to your area are already adapted to
the climate. In addition, many are perennial or self-seeding, reducing
future costs for new plants. Many native plants will also support
indigenous animals, such as butterflies and birds.
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Prarie Crocus Native Wildflower
(left) |
7. Maintenance
Low-water landscaped areas are intended to require
low maintenance. However, this does mean some upkeep must still be
done. Some of the tasks include:
- Adding mulch yearly.
- Amending flower and vegetable beds.
- Pruning trees and shrubs.
- Dividing and transplant perennials as required.
- Cutting down perennial tops.
- Ensuring nutrients in soil are adequate for the plants in that
area.
- Weeding as necessary.
Lawns
Ensure grass is a drought resistant variety.
Grass cut 7.5 to 10 cm long requires less water because roots, new
growth and soil are shaded.
Water the garden in the morning when there is little wind to
minimize evaporation.
Only water the garden, not the sidewalk, road or neighbour's deck.
Buy a timer for your outside faucet, or use a kitchen timer as a
reminder to turn water off.
Use a soil moisture indicator for your lawn, or measure rain and
sprinkler water in a container. Three centimetres of water per week
is usually enough.
Aerate your lawn regularly.
Use a watering can with water from your rain barrel for plants
that need extra water.
- Encourage children to use water toys and a splash pool, rather
than a hose or a sprinkler, to keep cool. Use the water from the
splash pool for your garden.
Other Outdoor Hints
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.
Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water; only use the hose for
rinsing.
Repair any leaks in your hose or connections.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Water Use Efficiency Coordinator
Pollution Prevention
Manitoba Environment
123 Main Street, Suite 160
Winnipeg MB R3C 1A5
Phone: (204) 945-8980 or
1-800-282-8069 ext. 8980
Fax: (204) 945-1211
E-mail: lliebgott@gov.mb.ca
Pollution Prevention
Manitoba Environment
Publication Number: 98-08E
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