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BANG FOR THE BITE
It takes planning, but if 10,000 desert-dwelling Biters xeriscape their yards, in a year we'll save enough water to fill 939 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
COCKTAIL FACT
An estimated 40% of Mexico City's clean water is lost through leaky pipes built in the early 1900s.
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home › tip library › Xeriscape
Is your yard worthy of an X rating?
The Bite
If you "xeriscape" it is. Xeriscaping is landscaping that's customized to your local climate, minimizing water use through plant choice and smart irrigation techniques. You'll spend less on H2O bills and spend less time playing around with your garden hose.The Benefits
- Save major H2O. Xeriscape can reduce landscape water use by 60% or more, and drip irrigation systems more effectively hydrate your plants.
- Less time watering your yard = more time enjoying your yard.
- Protect your landscape investment by drought-proofing it.
- Take a break. Some cities, like Las Vegas and Scottsdale, AZ, offer tax breaks for xeriscapers.
- Increase your property value by as much as 15%.
Personally Speaking
Heather learned how to install micro-drip irrigation systems years ago and she's now getting her friends' gardens microdripped up in exchange for cat-sitting.Wanna Try?
- Xeriscaping in Florida, Northwest, Rocky Mountains and Southwest - region-specific guides.
- DripWorks and The Drip Store - buy drip irrigation systems (or just check your local nursery - prices vary).
- High Country Gardens - nursery specializing in xeriscape-friendly plants (prices vary).
Mar 22,2007
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All editorial suggestions in this tip are the result of testing and a preference for the tip topic. No advertiser has paid to have its company referenced in the tip. For more information, please read our Editorial Policy.
Kudzu is the Devil. But Not if You’re in Japan.
If you live in the Southeastern US, you probably know all about kudzu. It's probably taking over your garden, your yard, your porches and powerpoles. You probably think it's the worst species of plant on the planet.
But kudzu is lovely in Japan and in other parts of Asia - where it's from. It grows normally, with little attention, thriving without overtaking, in the climate where it's a native, instead of here in the US, where it should never have been introduced.
Xeriscaping encompases a lot of different elements - you want to plan a garden according to its aspect. You want to ensure that you have lowered water usage through innovative irrigation methods...
But the best thing you can do is to plant true natives - those plants that WANT to thrive in your local climate.
Here at Ideal Bite, we can tell you a lot of things about how to be more green. But we can't tell you what plants to plant in your garden. Because fact is, the answer will be dramatically different if you are in Syracuse than it will be if you're in San Antonio...
Check out the links in today's tip to see plant ideas for your region in the meantime...
-Heather... off to write a check to Vote Solar, after attending a great fundraiser for the nonprofit tonight...
But kudzu is lovely in Japan and in other parts of Asia - where it's from. It grows normally, with little attention, thriving without overtaking, in the climate where it's a native, instead of here in the US, where it should never have been introduced.
Xeriscaping encompases a lot of different elements - you want to plan a garden according to its aspect. You want to ensure that you have lowered water usage through innovative irrigation methods...
But the best thing you can do is to plant true natives - those plants that WANT to thrive in your local climate.
Here at Ideal Bite, we can tell you a lot of things about how to be more green. But we can't tell you what plants to plant in your garden. Because fact is, the answer will be dramatically different if you are in Syracuse than it will be if you're in San Antonio...
Check out the links in today's tip to see plant ideas for your region in the meantime...
-Heather... off to write a check to Vote Solar, after attending a great fundraiser for the nonprofit tonight...
Biter Comments...
Another good resource for Xeriscaping is The Wild Ones: www.for-wild.org
LOL - did you know that kudzu (http://www.kudzu.com/) is also the name of the latest "Angie's List?" When I saw the subject of your entry the first thought I had was, "OMG, what dirt do they have on this new referral website? And what does it have to do with Japan?"
Sorry to read that the plant version is having a negative impact on the Southeast. As far as Xeriscaping, being a resident of Arizona, more of it needs to be done in this soon-to-be-water-scarce state.
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Gloria | March 22, 2007 at 11:27 AM