How many terms for water conservation have you heard that appeal to your specific interest? Words and phrases tossed around handily include xeriscape, rain garden, drought tolerant, native plants, green movement, and environmentally responsible landscape design. There are many others. And they are all elements that are considered as part of a comprehensive analysis of your garden, landscape or property.

Water conservation has become the most important

1. Analyze your site — Conduct a site analysis and develop a plot plan that indicates the wet and dry areas, sunny and shady areas, as well as other pertinent environmental and physical properties of your land.
    
   
2. Get a soil test and improve your soil — Testing is provided in NC by Department of Agronomy/Soil Testing Section www.ncagr.com/agronomi/sthome.htm . Soil improvement typically includes the application of lime and organic material as well as other nutrients in the form of organic fertilizer.
    
   
3. Design your WaterWise Garden with your family’s needs being met as well as including both the functional and aesthetic qualities you desire.
    
   
4. Choose drought tolerant plants — use the right plant-right place approach by listing your requirements for each plant before making a trip to the nursery. Insure success with a three inch layer of organic mulch.
    
   
5. Water efficiently and know how and when to water —Choose the best watering method for each area of your property and water when it is cool and windless.
    
   
6. Purchase a rain gauge and monitor your rainfall —a plant’s water needs vary with lawns typically needing one inch rain or equivalent each week during its growing period. Individual plants are best watered by hand held hose.
    
   
7. Collect rain water by rain barrel, cistern or by shaping the topography of your property to slow or catch rainwater.
    
   
8. Choose alternative groundcovers to replace or reduce unneeded lawn areas and choose turf types that meet your needs.
    
   
9. Monitor the results of your waterwise garden —check on your plants regularly to manage their overall appearance and health. It typically takes one to two years for a plant to acclimate to where it is truly drought tolerant.
    
   
10. Maintain your WaterWise Garden, including proper fertilization, pruning, mulching, pest and disease control.