Photo: Michael Ude

Here in California, water is one of our most precious resources. We have struggled with drought in recent years and in order to help conserve water but also enjoy our own gardens full of plants, there are a few guidelines we can follow.

A landscape architect can help you design your garden in a way that is more water efficient by developing planting zones that will group plants with similar water requirements. But if you’re a DIY’er, then we have some tips for you:

1. It is better to water plants heavily and less often than to water lightly and more frequently. This allows the plant’s roots to grow deeper which is better for a plant’s health.

2. Water your plants in the morning instead of at night. This prevents water from sitting overnight and potentially causing fungal issues for the plants.

3. Mature plants require less water than newly planted plants. Over time, you can reduce the amount of water a plant needs because as it becomes more established, it requires less water.

4. Your soil plays a factor in water retention. Sandy soil tends to drain more easily and the roots can dry out too much. Clay soil tends to retain more water which can lead to root rot. For most plants, your soil should be in the middle so the addition of quality top soil to your garden beds can help with this water balance.

5. Native plants and drought-tolerant plants have become very popular because of California’s drought conditions since they require less water. There are many great varieties out there that you can add to your garden and help conserve water so check them out.

If you have a landscape project that you would like to hire us for in order to reduce your water bill and water your garden more efficiently, please schedule an appointment with us here: https://www.gill-gardens.com/schedule-appointment

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Greg Gill is a Professional Landscape Architect with over 25 years of designing, installing and maintaining residential gardens and landscapes. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve a garden space they will love and enjoy for years.

Registered Landscape Architect
State of California #6489

Gill Gardens serves the greater El Dorado Hills, California area, including Folsom, Granite Bay, Roseville, Sacramento and everywhere in between.