Enjoy this post on water conservation courtesy of Green Life Blue Water contributor, Mark Harris:
Saving water goes beyond turning off the tap before your lawn floods. In fact, conserving water goes far deeper than throttling back your water bill. These water-conscious changes courtesy of Green Life Blue Water can help you achieve a beautiful lawn without sacrificing the local ecosystem.
Add Non-Lawn Elements
Lush lawns aren’t the only way to make your yard look appealing. Consider non-grass elements to use less water.
- Explore rock garden [or rain garden] ideas to create a dry [or drought-resistent] yet appealing yard.
- Learn about mulching to make the most of your watering.
- Try groundcover plants instead of grass seed to cover dirt.
- Hire a tree removal service to clear away old trees and dead branches.
Change How You Water
You don’t have to eliminate greenery entirely to conserve water. Changing how you water is another eco-friendly step toward a kinder landscape.
- Water at the right time of day.
- Install a misting system for targeted watering.
- Learn how to tell when plants need water.
- Find new ways to save water to be environmentally friendly.
Adopt Eco-Conscious Gardening Methods
While water is one vital consideration, your lawn affects local ecosystems in other ways. Try these tips for saving the environment through smarter gardening.
- Welcome pollinators to your landscape.
- Skip pesticides and use natural means to prevent bugs.
- Take steps to nurture native species like fireflies.
- Stick with local plants for more ecological benefits.
Green lawns might be appealing on the surface, but the truth is that the more diverse your landscape is, the more environmentally friendly it becomes. By taking these steps toward a more conscious garden and lawn, you are helping to conserve water. But you’re also protecting local wildlife and ecosystems, which makes your neighborhood an even better place to live.
If you want to know more about Mark’s work and insights, head over to awarenesstoolkits.com
As always, thanks for reading.
pam lazos 7.2.21
tx for the tips – I find it’s easier to do things now that I own my own home, a small 1-story that makes it easy to toss used tea leaves onto corners of the garden, let pasta water cool & use for watering, etc…
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Yes! Composting is key!
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Hi Pam – it’s so wise to be careful with any water we use. We have droughts here, but mainly it’s a small island with an erratic rainfall, larger population … we need to think about and consider the future. Insects, tiny absolutely essential critters need water at all times too … we need to be less selfish and more aware – all the best – Hilary
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I totally agree, Hilary. Without water, we’re toast!😅
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Great post Pam. I replaced my front grass lawn with river rocks and been planting plants like lavender and carpet roses which once established are drought resistant. I’ve taken half of my backyard grass out and replaced with river rock, but still have some fussy water loving plants, but I’ll get there.
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Wow, you’ve done a lot, Michele. Do you miss the grass or are you happy with the river rock?
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I don’t miss the grass at all. It’s actually very pretty with the blue and gray tones of the river rock and the lavender blues draping over them. We’re in a drought and had unusual high temps last week so my lawn looks pretty good compared to all the dead grass of my neighbors (the ones that don’t water everyday). The landscape looks very beachy and I love that. Happy 4th to you!
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And who doesn’t love the beach?! 🏖
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As far as lawns are concerned, they don’t really need watering at all. They’re incredibly resilient and will come back green again when the rains return. Incidentally, I tend to chuck the used washing up water over ours, which works well.
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Which used washing water, Mick? I’m assuming not the laundry. From doing the dishes? Do you use special soap with no phosphates?
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Washing up water, and I only use eco-friendly soap.
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Way to go.👏👍🙌
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Pam, thanks for sharing these great tips for conserving water. With our current drought in California, I have to be extra careful with my water use when gardening. I use a watering can instead of the garden hose to regulate the amount of water each plant gets. This works well in areas where I have lots of potted plants.
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Good for you, Ros. I’m sure it adds a lot of extra work to the task. I wonder why CA doesn’t ask people to stop watering their lawns and go native. It would save tons of water, right? And why they keep letting Nestle drain the San Bernardino aquifer when their in a drought. It’s crazy. 🤪
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Pam, during our last major five-year drought, we were offered incentives to pull up our lawns and go native. Several home owners did, but the landlord of our apartment complex held out. As to Nestle, that’s an ongoing fight that nettles me!
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Too bad about the landlord and yes, I, too, am nettled, Ros! 😂😂😂
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Good tips. That ‘water at the right time of day’ does make a big difference.
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It really makes a difference as last night’s rains are proving, Jacqui. Thanks for stopping by!
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