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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Seminars to offer water-efficient gardening ideas

Gardeners who don’t want to get soaked can learn how to conserve water at upcoming xeriscaping classes, sponsored by Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.

Xeriscaping, or water-efficient landscaping, increasingly makes sense as communities like Liberty Lake battle water shortages.

However, the benefits of conservation gardening are appealing to an even broader audience as Washington state deals with drought conditions.

The two free upcoming seminars will feature tips from Master Gardeners from Washington State University’s cooperation extension office and the district’s certified irrigation auditor.

Classes will cover landscaping with drought tolerant native plants and offer tips for saving water, while still maintaining healthy plants and lawns.

“What I’ve been telling people is there are two things that will be really important for us this year,” said Tonie Fitzgerald, WSU extension agent in Spokane.

To get through the dry days of summer without racking up high water bills, Fitzgerald recommends fine-turning sprinkler systems so pavement and sidewalks aren’t the unintended beneficiaries.

Invest in drip systems, which target the plant’s roots, and apply three to four inches of wood chips or other mulch.

Mulch holds moisture in soil and deters weed growth. It can be purchased or made by grinding a mix of leaves, grass and pine needles (keep in mind the mix must be porous).

Gardeners also can contact local arborists and offer to take a load of wood chips.

An Internet search can point gardeners in the direction of drought-tolerant plants.

Fitzgerald recommends getting plants into the ground early to capitalize on spring rainfall and cooler temperatures.

Give plants a season or two of regular watering so they can build the root structure necessary to become drought resistant, she suggested.

“Nothing is drought tolerant the year you plant it. You have to get it established,” Fitzgerald said.

BiJay Adams, certified landscape auditor for the district, said the typical lawn needs one inch of water per week.

How long does it take for the average sprinkler system to water an inch? Adams suggested a simple experiment to find out.

Set a tuna can in the yard and turn on the sprinkler, timing how long it takes to accumulate an inch.

That time can be divided over several days to spread out watering and keep grass green, Adams said.

“In a nutshell, it’s just properly maintaining, and just being picky with your water scheduling.”