![]() These plants are more attractive, non-invasive, long-term performers, are scaled for residential landscapes, and often available in nurseries. The Nifty 50 consists of shrubs, succulents, vines, ground-covers, flowers, trees and grasses. Refer to the Nifty 50 Plants Guide for Water Smart Landscapes from the San Diego County Water Authority.These have adapted over thousands of years and animal species depend on them for food and habitat. Select climate-appropriate, drought-tolerant native and/or California-friendly non-native plants native to Western and Mediterranean climate zones.Choose the right plants for the right place to provide the elements for a successful NatureScape. Do your homework before finalizing plant choices. Water-wise yards take more planning than ordinary landscapes but over time offer significant savings in labor and water costs. If you are redesigning your landscape or making simpler changes, create a plan. Determine where it is sunny or shady, dry or damp and spaces that are small or large. Applying mulch reduces evaporation and can reduce the need to water saving 20 to 30 gallons per 1,000 square feet each time you water. Mulch has shown to reduce the incidence of certain plant diseases. Typically, mulch consists of leaves, wood chips, grass clippings or compost. It is used as a groundcover on planted areas and bare soil to moderate soil temperature, reduce water evaporation, inhibit weed growth, and prevent soil erosion. Spread compost to a depth of 3 inches around the base of plants and shrubs, much like spreading mulch. ![]() Properly applied compos t serves as a natural fertilizer. Spread 2 to 4 inches of compost over the soil and turn it with a shovel to a depth of about 6 inches. It helps soil improve its texture, increase nutrient level and water holding capacity. Compost contains vital nutrients and supports a diverse array of beneficial organisms from microscopic bacteria to earthworms that supply organic matter to soil. Compost is the dark, rich organic material produced by the controlled natural decomposition of organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, pruning, and fruit and vegetable scraps. It helps sandy soils hold nutrients and water, and loosens clay soils. The best way to improve soil’s health is by adding compost. Protecting plants from pests and diseases.Recycling nutrients and make them available to plants.Creating a loose sponge-like structure that allows air, water and nutrients for plant root growth.Microorganisms help fortify soil in our landscapes by: These beneficial creatures are an essential part of soil’s complex web. ![]() Did you know that a teaspoon of soil contains over 4 billion microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa. Carbon is a vital component of rich soil. Healthy soil provides air, water and nutrients for plants and serves as nature’s environmental protector and plays a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by removing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in the soil.
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