Water is one of the primary needs of all plants. They need to receive the right amount of hydration to grow and thrive properly. You can ensure your plants get the hydration they need by watering them regularly using a garden hose or watering can, or by having a sprinkler system installed on your lawn.
Watering your plants, however, is one of the most common ways of wasting this natural resource. This is particularly true if you don’t practice water-saving techniques when going about this gardening chore.
Water-Guzzling Plant Varieties
If you live in an area where water is practically scarce or you simply want to play an active role in conserving water particularly when doing your gardening chores, you can start by choosing the right plants to include in your landscaping. Pros say you should avoid growing these naturally thirsty plants in your lawn:
Annual plants
Although they may look great during a particular season, most annuals, particularly the ones that grow during summer, often need a lot of water. This is because many annual plants have a shorter growing season with intense blooms and a corresponding shallow root system. As such, they are always in need of hydration and you will have to water them more frequently than perennials and native plants.
Exotic and Tropical Plants
Tropical plants, such as hibiscus and banana, can look great in landscapes, but think twice about planting them since they have fairly high water requirements. Exotic plants also need more water than native species. If you want to make sure you don’t have thirsty plants, avoid plants with large, glossy and dark leaves since they tend to absorb more heat and require a lot of water. Stay away from plants with larger leaf surface areas since they mean greater water loss as well.
If you’re looking for plants that don’t require too much hydration, opt for ones with hairy, smaller, and lighter-colored or silvery leaves that retain water and diffuse light. These include lavender, lamb’s ear, and rosemary.
Traditional Turf
Ryegrass and other popular types of grass and turf species are on the list of thirsty plants to avoid. Fortunately, there are many drought-tolerant varieties of grass you can choose from. These drought-tolerant varieties include zoysia, Bermuda, and buffalo grass. You can also consider planting some native species that attract wildlife and pollinators in certain areas of your lawn instead of growing grass.
Xeriscaping, a type of landscaping that reduces the need for additional water, is also something you can consider if you’re looking to enhance the look and function of your outdoor space. With the right plants and careful planning, your landscape can remain appealing without the need for large amounts of water.
About the Author: Kenneth Lawrence’s craft involves DIY concepts. Also, he values the importance of getting expert help whenever necessary. He visits sites like http://www.greenacresgroup.net. He shares guidelines and tips about home improvement.
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