January 23 , 2014
Design for Drought
Algerian sword lily head my garden ’s bulb parade this hebdomad !
Thanks to its Mediterranean roots , dry times do n’t bring on a shudder . Drought is n’t fresh to Texas , either . It ’s just well-heeled to forget in a rainy while .
What ’s different , climate changes away , is that gardeners are connecting to the broad and long - terminus picture of water supply preservation . For one thing , we ’re grow plant that were n’t on our radar not so long ago .
We care for our natural gifts , instead of trying to conquer them .
We ’ve swapped grass and dull hedge for the double W : wildlife and water system - wise .
We ’ve learned how to catch , direct , and ascendency rainfall in pelting gardens , berms and swale , barrels , and ironical creeks .
In nutrient garden , we ’re drop irrigating and adapting lawn sprinkler head .
And explore proficiency like wicking beds , hugelkultur and olla .
We ’ve direct a cue from the past with heritage favorites that thrived when tearing meant a ticker , not a tap . One of them is iris , Daphne ’s works of the Week .
Even when not in prime , their structural leaf is a relief from downy plants . Adaptable to heavy soil like mine , or rocky spots like this , they perform with minor adaption .
One prominent interrogation : How and when do we fertilize iris ? Daphne recommends using a blending that ’s high in phosphorous but LOW in nitrogen . enforce mid - February to March and again after inflorescence . get out why .
And check outTrisha ’s wind for dividing in fall , since that ’s of the essence for more flowers , too .
ForSurroundings Landscape Architect Kenneth Francis , water ethic are the start item in design from his New Mexico habitation - stem , which now includes Austin ( and beyond ) . He joinsTom to instance base conceptsthat wrangle water , regardless of expressive style .
Kenneth explain his starting point , which you’re able to conform by analyse your own house and landscape painting .
In one of his landscape , this charming rill carries water to its various destinations .
This shoulder also act as a secrecy and sound roadblock against a meddlesome route .
And tick off out these solar bricks on a driveway !
In the vegetable garden , would n’t you love to blame your own organic asparagus ? Since now ’s a perfect time to embed your crowns , John Dromgooleshows how to prep and plant life .
On tour , from the mouths of babes , get wise lessons on watershed trade protection fromEarth Camp fifth - gradersat theBecker Elementary Green Classroom .
Thanks for stop by ! See you next workweek , Linda
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