Santa Monica OSE - Choosing Plant Material

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Landscape Water Efficiency Contact

Russell Ackerman
Water Resources Specialist
(310) 458-8405
russell.ackerman@smgov.net

With Southern California’s water supplies dwindling and Santa Monica’s water costs rising, new attention is being focused on heritage landscaping, or the idea of trying designs gardens that mimic natural systems. Heritage landscaping refers to the use of plants that are native to this area or from similar climates; it also, encompasses the adoption of watering methods that are appropriate to the chosen plants. Consult the www.bewaterwise.com California Friendly Garden Guide for a wealth of information on choosing and growing heritage plants. For plants that grow well along the coast try www.lacoastalgardens.com

Plant Choice Strategies for Water-Efficiency

Turf - A healthy bluegrass lawn will lose more water to evaporation than a swimming pool of equal size. Try to limit turf to only where it is required; in a children's play area for example or around a swimming pool. When you use turf keep the areas large enough to be watered by the more efficient, longer range rotor-type sprinklers.

Choose one of the more water-thrifty types of turf grass such as hybrid tall fescue.
Always put turf on a separate valve from other types of plants.

Flower Beds

Flower beds are one of the most difficult planting areas to properly irrigate. They are usually planted too close together to permit practical drip irrigation yet the flowers suffer from spray watering which is usually the only alternative. Limit flower beds to areas near entry points or outdoor living areas where you can really enjoy the benefits of the extra attention they require.

Shrubs, Trees & Vines

Shrubs, trees and vines of all types are ideal candidates for drip irrigation. This fact makes them potentially much more water-thrifty than plants which require sprinkler irrigation.

Last updated: Wednesday, 11/18/2009

Green Garden Academy 2010

This 12-part monthly series pdf of classes is the official school of sustainable gardening for Santa Monica. Each class walks participants through a different topic to help make your garden a huge success.

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Plant Choice Strategies for Water-Efficiency

Flower Beds

Shrubs, Trees & Vines

Green Garden Academy 2010