Water-Smart Solutions For Your Garden & Landscape

Concerned about your garden or landscape because of the dry weather we have been experiencing? The right plants and wise water use support the success of growing plants and trees during times of water restrictions. If you’re thinking about adding plants to your garden, installing a new landscape or looking to protect your garden or landscape, here are a few water-smart solutions to help you get started:

Here are a few Water-Wise Tips for Washington residents:

1. Select Plants that Thrive — Washington enjoys a wide selection of drought tolerant plants. While many native plants fit this category, it is important to understand they are not necessarily the only answer. Consult your local independent nursery or landscape professional for advice on proper plant selection for regionally adapted plants and trees.
2. Prepare Your Site & Apply Mulch — A well prepared site will support a healthy and sustainable landscape. Consider using compost and applying a top dressing of mulch as it reduces water needs, is attractive and over time will improve soil structure. Additional resources can be found at your local nursery, garden center or landscape business; at your local WSU extension center; or by contacting a Certified Professional Horticulturist or ecoPRO Certified sustainable landscape professional.
3. Water & Irrigate Efficiently — Use only as much water as needed for plants and be sure to group plants together with similar watering needs. In hot weather newly planted plants need to be watered on the original root ball to survive – surrounding soil can be saturated and the plant can die if the roots have not grown into the surrounding soils yet.  Ensure that your irrigation management system features the latest technology, including smart controllers, sensor times, and incorporates drip irrigation. A properly designed, installed and maintained irrigation system is a highly effective means of sustaining landscapes and lawns.  It is a good investment to consult a landscape professional regarding an audit and update to your irrigation system.
4. Consider Permeable Hardscape — Homeowners installing hard surfaces in their landscapes may want to consider pavers or other porous materials rather than concrete. Pavers and porous surfaces allow penetration of rainfall into the ground. Consult your local independent nursery or landscape professional, Certified Professional Horticulturist or ecoPRO Certified Sustainable Landscape Professionals.

More Watering Help From the Experts

• Find Nurseries & Landscape Companies To Help
• Water Saving Tips From the Experts
  • The Secrets Of Proper Summer Watering — Sunnyside Nursery
  • Surprising Melt-Proof Annuals – Le Jardinet (lejardinetdesigns.com)
  • Gardening and climate change | In Harmony
  • Protect Your Plants This Summer: 7 Water-Wise Tips — Swansons Nursery
  • Top 7 Tips for Summer Tree Care | Big Tree Supply
  • Watering tips for Seattle landscapes | In Harmony
  • The Truth About “Drought-Tolerant” Plants — Swansons Nursery
• Water-Wise Garden Video
• Smart Watering guide (pdf)
• How to Water New Plants (pdf)
• Get to Know Your Soil (pdf)

Sprinkler Watering Calculators

• Orbit Watering Schedule
• Hunter Industries Runtime Calculator
• Pennington Lawn Watering Calculator

Water Efficiency & Quality Resources

• EPA WaterSense
• Irrigation Association
• The Saving Water Partnership
• US Drought Monitor
• Water Use It Wisely
• Water Wise Gardening: Proper Planting & Essential Gardening
• WSU Extension

Water Smart Tips & Resources From Municipalities

• Cascade Water Alliance
• Kitsap Public Utilities Department
• Seattle Public Utilities
• Snohomish County Public Utilities
• Spokane Public Works
• Tacoma Public Utilities – Tacoma Water
• Vancouver Public Works
• Wenatchee Public Works