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Saving Water In
Your Gardens

S

PATIO & CASUAL FURNITURE

ummer 2009 may be a bit
less dry than last year in
some areas of the country,

according to the National
Weather Service. But it still makes
sense, both environmentally and

economically, to conserve water as
much as possible in your gardening
and landscaping efforts.

"Nothing shouts 'green' quite like
a thriving garden or a lush land-

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" M & Th 10-8 • T,WFS 1 0-6•Sun 12-4

, 4

tion and water conservation expert,
... except, perhaps, a beautiful yard

or garden that's been nurtured with
green practices that conserve pre-
cious water."

While drought in some mid-north-

ern areas is expected to improve,
dry conditions will likely persist. One
thing that isn't likely to change any-

time soon, however, is the need to
cut costs and conserve resources.
Conserving water makes sense

environmentally, and can also help
your family reduce your bills this
summer.

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May 21 • 2009

and where it is needed.

scape," says Susan Thayer, an irriga-

4 6 7350 Highland Road iM-59) Waterford

4 Rooms

Micro sprinklers apply water only when

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'

'3 444444 4 444 4 4 4 4 +:4 . 4 . 4'4F4 . 4`4'4 • 4;+

It is possible to grow a thriving
garden and nurture a lovely land-
scape while minimizing water con-

from your air conditioner. Consider
collecting roof runoff in a rain barrel
for use in flower beds and vegetable
gardens.
• Irrigate efficiently with low-vol-

ume irrigation systems and smart
watering practices. Many com-
munities now require all newly built

homes to use low-volume irrigation
in their landscapes. On average,
micro sprinklers and drip irrigation

uses 80 to 90 percent less water
than traditional irrigation systems.
Irrigation manufacturers like

Mister Landscaper are respond-
ing to increased consumer demand
for low-volume systems by offering

micro sprinkler and drip products

sumption and saving money on your
water bill. A combination of native-
friendly plants, smart agricultural

that homeowners can easily install
on their own.

practices, alternative water sources
and efficient irrigation can help keep
gardens and lawns growing healthy

Sprinkler Starter Kits efficiently and
slowly irrigate flower and vegetable
gardens, as well as areas where

throughout dry summer months.
• Choose drought-resistant native
plants for your landscaping needs.

trees and shrubs grow. They are
available in the plumbing department
at Lowe's Home Improvement stores
or online at misterlandscaper.com .

Your options won't be limited to cac-
tus, either.

From ornamental grasses to shrub

roses, many drought-tolerant native
species also offer bright color and

visual appeal. Look for plants that do
well in the driest conditions found in
your geographic region. Local gar-
dening stores and online sites like
gardeners.com will have plenty of
ideas.
• Groom soil for optimum water

absorption and retention. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture recom-
mends adding water-retaining organ-
ic material to your soil. You can also
reduce evaporation by using mulch
in landscaping beds.
• Look for alternative water sourc-

es other than the outdoor tap, such
as collecting the water that drains

Mister Landscaper's Micro

The system also offers a variety
of retrofit products that allow you
to replace or add on to an existing

underground pvc sprinkler system
so you can convert 120 gallons per
hour (gph) heads to a 10 gph micro
spray or 1-2 gph dripper.
Drip and micro spray irrigation

provide optimum efficiency with
minimum waste and over spray.
• Design your landscaping to
minimize evaporation. Windbreaks
and fences slow the movement of

the wind over the ground and the
evaporation it causes, according to
the Natural Resources Conservation
Service.

Courtesy of ARAcontent