Dry Weather Has Produced Confusion on Water Terms

The recent problems with California’s dry weather has people using terms that have caused some confusion.

The word drought conjures an image of a complete lack of water and a lifeless landscape of cactus-like plants; therefore, people perceive that drought-resistant plants do not need any water.

This perception is wrong because even drought-resistant plants, and there are many, many varieties, need some water, although the plants are likely to survive on natural rainfall once they are established. (This can take one to two years and means the time needed to establish a root system and adjust to its new surroundings.) Even drought-resistant plants will have trouble though if rainfall is as light as it has been during the last few years.

The terms water-wise and drought-tolerant describe plants that can handle water conservation. These plants can do very well on a once-a-month watering in out hottest and driest months if the plants are established. All plants need some water in order to become established before starting a conserving water schedule.

Deep watering or using watering basins will provide a good water supply. Water-wise also means watering deeply from the time you plant so the roots will have gone down into the subsoil to look for water and food. Those plants have a much better chance of enjoying whatever moisture is available to them from the natural water table, although the majority of shrubs and many of the garden plants can do with a great deal less water than we imagine.

Check with your local professional at the garden center and learn more about your plants; You may have a water conserving yard and not know it.