NORTH TEXAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) — When a water company wants to reduce a customer's water usage, the first thing they look at is your yard. During the summer months, water consumption can double or triple and excess water is used outside. The most effective way to reduce water consumption in the city is to set water restrictions. Most of them ask their customers to limit outdoor watering to twice a week during the cooler times of the day. But more can be done to reduce the demand for that water by using the right plants.
Over the years, many of my Garden101 stories have focused on plants that make good choices for North Texas. A good choice will almost always be a native or locally adapted plant. The biggest challenge for any plant here is the wide range of temperatures and periodic drought. The summer heat killed more plants than Mother Nature gave us.
It shows the example of the Verkhne-Traietski district. They planted and maintained demonstration gardens at their place in Lewisville for ten years. Using a combination of native and adapted plants, they show examples from English, upland and Japanese gardens. All three symbolize the responsible use of water. All plants included are drought tolerant and minimize the use of fertilizers and insecticides. This reduces water demand and improves water quality by minimizing wastewater pollution. Like many municipal water suppliers, they draw water from their catchment. Clean water makes safer water.
Everyone must do their part if North Texans want to reduce water use. As our population continues to grow, water supplies will be critical to our economic health. We can all start by reducing water use in our yards. Try reducing the area of the lawn by a third (grass uses the lion's share of water). Plant only locally adapted plants that can withstand our hot, dry summers. Switch to drip irrigation. Each of us, with a little effort, goes a long way towards a better future.
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