GARDEN FANATIC: Gardening with less water

“We can never have enough... rain.” “” Henry David Thoreau

“Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody.” “” Mark Twain

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For those of you who have forgotten, rain has been falling from the sky again. With precipitation currently at less than a quarter of normal rainfall, and substantially behind due to last year’s drought, it appears that this season is destined to be relatively dry again.

The memory of the last drought is not that many years removed. We should remember that water is an extremely influential element, affecting the pattern and quality of our life in Laguna. As growing population demands are placed on our uncertain water supply, we can see that water is not available in unlimited quantities. Lack of water means fewer plants or plants that require less water.

Is it possible to have a successful and beautiful garden within the limits of water conservation? Native plants are a better choice for this region. They are well suited to the climate, soils and other growing conditions of Laguna. Since they evolved in our arid clime, they generally require less water and care than other plants.

More than 7,000 native species have been identified in California; many may be purchased at your favorite nursery. Selected natives and their horticultural varieties have proven successful in slope plantings, natural parks and our home gardens.

Natives require coarse, well-drained soil and restricted summer water. Mulching around the plant base protects the roots, and infrequent deep watering helps to develop a strong root system. Watering should be limited largely to the winter and spring months, to complement natural rainfall and growing cycles.

Overhead watering from sprinklers during the summer should be avoided as it can cause unseasonable growth and increases the susceptibility of the plant to disease, root rot and fungus. Although the best time to plant is late fall to early spring, we are blessed in Laguna, with temperatures mild enough to allow planting year round.

A few of the most attractive native choices include the Arctostaphylos species and cultivars, commonly called Manzanita. They range from ground covers to large shrubs and small trees. Many feature sculptural trunks, showy pink to white flowers and medium green leaves.

Another native, which is a good addition to our landscape, is Ceanothus, known as the California Lilac. With an arching habit, they may be found as dense ground covers to tall shrubs. They all feature large clusters of bright blue flowers, hence the name, Lilac.

Baccharis pilularis, or dwarf Coyote Bush, is one of the most rugged full-proof ground covers. It is both fire resistant and deer resistant. Fast growing, it is dense and bright green.

The staccato beat of rain on our roof woke me. I had been dreaming that Catharine and I were hiking among giant cactus somewhere in Baja. It came to me that these native plants survived through natural rainfall. Quite a concept to consider!

See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is married to writer, Catharine Cooper, and has one cat and five dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to [email protected]