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By Jim Tucker
Last
year the Gasparilla Island Water Association used their
own offices for a demonstration of Xeriscape: Water
conscious landscape design.
The new plantings are starting to develop
drought tolerance and they 're
showing that cutting back on water doesn't
mean cutting back on variety and color.
There are seven varieties in the drought
tolerant area: dwarf confederate jasmine, allamanda bush,
ruellia, agopanthus, blue plumbago, thryallis and mirror
leaf viburnun. A native plant assortment includes Pampus
grass, Oleander petite pink, bouganvillea, red-tip
cocoplum, fountain grass, croton and lantana. Most of the
turf is gone and stepping stones lead a visitor through
the garden.
The schematic provided by Jennifer Lown
Landscaping Design, Inc. includes "The
Seven Principles of Xeriscape."
" 1.
Plan and Design - Make a plan including existing
vegetation. Think through intended uses of the landscape.
2. Obtain a soil analysis - Addition of topsoil or organic
matter will assist in holding water to the existing sandy
soil. 3. Choose proper plants - Choose the correct plants
that will thrive in the specific conditions in which they
are placed. 4. Use turf wisely - Grass is often a yard's
largest water user. Use turf where it is most functional
in the landscape. 5. Irrigate efficiently - Group plants
based on their water needs. Use proper sprinkler heads and
maintain your system. 6. Use mulches - Mulches help hold
moisture in the soil, moderate temperature, slowly release
nutrients, reduce weed growth and slow erosion. 7. Perform
proper maintenance - Keep plants healthy. Water,
Fertilize, treat insects, prune, and mow properly."
Happy water conscious gardening this summer.
The
lay of the land.
A bird bath tucked between tall grass
and flowers is inviting to our abundant feathered friends.
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A pair of cardinals find the
neighborhood a perfect habitat.
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The Gasparilla Island Water
Association building is a prime example of
Xeriscape, drought tolerant landscape. |
Most
of the turf is gone and stepping stones lead a
visitor through the garden. |
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An
assortment of colorful native and ornamental
flowers are blooming in the GIWA garden. |
A bench surrounded with lush flora
provides a great spot to relax.
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A
park-like setting for a picnic table. |
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