In the Southeast, we deal with weather extremes: alternating periods of drought, flooding rains, hot humid summers and freezing winters. So, how do we plant? We certainly don’t live in an arid region and cannot mimic all of the techniques that are used in the desert Southwest. In fact, using only dry-loving plants in our landscapes would be a mistake. What we need here are adaptable plants.

Native plants have adapted to very specific areas and conditions. As a general rule, a native plant that is suitable to your conditions will be drought tolerant. There are also many ornamentals that are well suited while not being invasive or detrimental.

So, after determining the appropriate plants for your zone, what’s the key to helping them deal with the extremes, especially drought? All plants must be installed in deeply prepared soil containing rich, organic, moisture-retentive yet well-draining matter. This encourages deep root penetration, which makes the plants immediately drought tolerant. Improve infiltration and use these other conservation techniques, and you’ll see water and your landscape in a whole new way.

IMPROVE INFILTRATION/REDUCE RUNOFF
Soil infiltration is best accomplished by adding lots of organic matter (compost and composted manures). In this organic soil, the plants will be aided by beneficial microorganisms that help the roots obtain additional moisture and fertilizer while naturally fighting off pests and diseases. This makes them healthy, disease- and insect-free, low-maintenance and sustainable. The philosophy is that simple. Organic growers have been using these practices for years. Yet, it can be a lot of work to provide this condition, especially for those who garden in Georgia red clay.

Ensuring infiltration is easiest to do when creating a new planting bed. Create an area with a minimum of 12 inches of prepared soil. If feasible, optimal results will be obtained if you provide 18 to 24. Depending upon your subsoil, terrain and various drainage considerations, this could be a raised bed or an excavated area filled with the newly prepared soil. Often, the best solution is half excavated and half raised. In any instance, it’s vital that you create a transition zone between this new soil and your sub base. This transition zone would be an area where the sub base is loosened and is a 50/50 blend of new soil and existing soil. If percolation still isn’t adequate, a perforated pipe or French drain may be needed at the bottom of the bed. Direct the outlet from this pipe to water plants in other areas of your yard or have it empty into a “rain garden” or other detention area.

MULCH
Mulch further conserves the moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation from the soil surface and cooling the area around the plant. If you use organic compost as mulch, the worms will work it into the soil below, and you’ll have added benefits. In addition, mulch keeps weeds, a major competitor for moisture, under control.

MAINTAIN ORGANICALLY
Organic maintenance practices conserve water by making the garden more efficient. Organic fertilizers do not contain salts, which harm the soil and plants. All plants need water until established, which takes two to three years. Even natives and drought tolerant plants need an establishment period. Current watering restrictions in this time of drought have put numerous unestablished plants under severe stress.

USE GREYWATER
Greywater is wastewater from your bath or utility sink. Installing a greywater plumbing system is certainly an easier way to transport water than using buckets; but, don’t landscape with water that contains bleach or non-organic and phosphate soaps. There are many potential health risks when storing and using greywater, so be certain to check with local health and building officials. [For an example of an installed greywater system in Asheville, check out the Green Home Showcase on page 40.]

CAPTURE AND REUSE RAINWATER
Rain barrels (shown above) and other types of cisterns can be installed to capture and hold rainwater. There are types available that lie flat on the ground or sit flat against the house so that their visual presence is minimized. Other types can be buried. The larger the container, or the use of multiple containers, the more water you can capture and store during rainy periods for use during the driest periods. Because collection tanks are generally located downhill, pumps are available to transport the water from the tanks to the garden. The stored water must be free of organic matter (leaves, etc.) so that it does not promote the growth of algae and harmful microorganisms within the tank, which could clog pumps and create a foul odor. So, it’s vital to pre-filter the water before it enters your tanks. There are devices available that can be mounted between your downspouts and the tank that deflect debris. State of the art systems also deflect the first runoff from the roof, as that water will be the dirtiest and possibly contaminated.

QUICK TIPS FOR YOUR WATER-CONSCIOUS LANDSCAPE
For Established Landscapes:
• Capture and reuse water

• Consider drip or trickle irrigation

• Water deeply (eight inches) and less frequently, as this promotes deep roots and the need for less water

• Water in the early morning hours and never when it’s windy to minimize evaporation

• Install moisture sensors and other devices to automatically shut off irrigation systems

• Mulch and remove weeds

• Delay pruning and fertilization during periods of severe drought, as these practices encourage thirsty new foliage

• Convert to organic fertilizers

For New Landscapes:
• Group plants by similar water needs to concentrate usage

• Prep the soil to encourage deep roots and water infiltration

• Shady areas need less water—plant in the shade, add trees or build shade structures

• Move stressed plants to more suitable areas

• Incorporate rain collection systems

• Minimize or eliminate the lawn

• Use only organic practices

Danna Cain, a registered landscape architect in Georgia and North Carolina, is the owner of Home & Garden Design, Inc. located in Atlanta, GA. You can learn more about her philosophy and the company as well as view photos of their work at www.hgdvt.com and www.home-garden-design.com.

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