If you don’t know how to get rid of that thirsty patch of lawn or aren’t sure what to replace it with, now may be the time to make a change, before water restrictions are imposed. Even if the region receives rainfall to get it out of its current drought, the area still needs to be landscaped with drought-tolerant plants. Consider our suggestions for lawn alternatives—all with low maintenance and conserving water in mind. DG is also an environmental way to go: it helps absorb rain water and irrigation, filters pollutants and solids from water, and is high in trace minerals.
Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses How to Groom and Control Native Grasses
What to consider when shopping for pea gravel:
Shape of gravel: if it’s cheaper, it might have sharp edges—not a good idea if it’s a surface for a children’s play area or a dog run.Size of rock: some suppliers carry several different sizes, but 3/8 to 1/2 inch is easiest to work with.Depth: 2 inches gives you a good layer.Know the dimensions of your space so that you can calculate how much you will need. A trusted supplier will help with this. Delivery charges will be added. Your pea gravel will be dumped in a pile in front of your property or on your driveway.
Nothing’s perfect: to pad that lawn and give it some fake “dirt,” many manufacturers use crumb rubber, which is often made from recycled tires. And many tires are made of toxic materials, including lead—OK for streets and highways—but never intended for daily human contact. Organic Infills As an alternative to rubber infill for artificial grass, organic infills are available in North America, such as natural cork or ground fibers from the outside of coconut shells.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Tire Crumb Infill and Artificial Turf Synthetic Turf Council: Safety Concerns and Guidelines
Permeable paving would be a good choice for a driveway, path or walkway, or a patio that isn’t connected to a house. Benefits and goals of using permeable paving are:
To direct water away from the houseMinimize excessive pooling in low lying areas due to runoffRetain water in landscaped areasDiminishing stormwater contaminants in storm drains, streams, rivers, and other bodies of waterPrevent erosion
It’s important to select the right kind of pervious pavement for certain areas or applications. Types of residential permeable paving available include:
Permeable concretePermeable asphaltPervious interlocking pavers
Good types of plants to try include:
Lantana Succulents Penstemon Native and ornamental grasses Lavender Sage
As a rule of thumb, place plants that require more water closer to your house, while the ones that are most drought-tolerant or resistant can be planted farther away, closer to the perimeter, sides, or curb. Plant flowering succulents (like sedums, aloes, and Crassulaceae) together in groups, like you would perennials and shrubs, for a colorful display that will last for several months Ice plant also brings a burst of color to the landscape and is a smart, water-saving ground cover. While they take a long time to grow, consider planting more trees, which provide shade and reduce water needs for nearby plants. Good ones to consider:
Dymondia margaretae Juniperus: chinensis, J. communis, J. horizontalis, J. procumbens, J. rigida conferta, J. sabina Mazus radicans, M. reptans Monardella macrantha Moneywort Lysimachia nummularia: Creeping Jenny Thyme: Thymus serpyllum ‘magic’, Mother of thyme: T. praecox articus; Wooly thyme: T. lanugenosis Wormwood Artemesia
