Alternative Gardens Can Help Residents Conserve Water

By Kurt A. Eichsteadt
Editorial Assistant

If there is any doubt about the value of an alternative garden in saving water, consider this: according to the Long Beach Water Department, 50% to 70% of the water consumed at a home is used outside.

“We think (water conservation) is everything,” said Ryan Alsop, Director of Government and Public Affairs for the water department. “It’s the most significant thing anybody can do in Long Beach. A typical grass lawn requires 82 inches of rain per yearÉ Long Beach receives 13 inches of rain a year. Drought tolerant plants need about 12 inches of rain per year.”

Besides alternative gardens, there are ways to save water on lawns, as well as replacing grass and plants with patio areas and rock gardens.

Xeriscaping comes from the Greek word, xeros, meaning dry. It means group of plants requiring little water to grow and bloom and limiting the use of water-hungry lawns. It’s not necessary to tear out a whole lawn, but perhaps start with a section that can be converted.

There are two important things in plant selection: pick the right plants and group them correctly. (Drought tolerance is a trait of mature plants, so most plants will need water for the first year).

Alternative gardens are not limited to cactus and ground cover. The choices are extensive and many offer vibrant colors. There are so many choices that it takes some research to narrow down options. Detailed and helpful information is available on the Internet at the Long Beach Water Department (www.lbwater.org) and the Metropolitan Water District and Family of Southern California Water Agencies (www.bewaterwise.com) sites.

In addition to Web sites, these companies have retail locations in Long Beach: Armstrong Garden Center (www.armstronggarden.com), 3842 E. 10th St., 433-7412; Orchard Supply Hardware (www.osh.com) 4480 Atlantic Ave, 422-3353; and Lowe’s, 284o Bellflower Blvd. 496-8120.

After you plant, it’s important to manage, mulch and maintain. Manage your water by giving the plants only as much water as they need, by using a drip system or soaker hose at the base of the plants. Mulch properly by not over-fertilizing and maintain by regular pruning, as overgrowth requires more water. And more work.

The water department is offering a series of free classes on alternative gardens from 8:30 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays: April 19, May 17 and June 12. Classes are at 1800 E. Wardlow St. Reservations are suggested. Call 570-2300 or send an e-mail to debra_krick@lbwater.org

If you do have a lawn, remember that the greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often, meaning much of the water is never absorbed. Instead of one session, water a few times for shorter periods and take breaks between sessions, which allows the water to soak in.

And remember the city’s restrictions on watering. Watering, which cannot last longer than 10 minutes, must be done between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Another way to reduce water consumption is to replace grass and plants with patio areas and walkways. They don’t have to be concrete. They can be water permeable materials such as gravel, decomposed granite or stone and brick (without mortar).

Rock gardens are another choice. They are ideal for natural slopes and terraces. The downside of a rock garden is it can require maintenance, with weed control being the biggest problem.