Growing trend favors natives and saves water

I’D like to compliment the Home section for its steady focus on California’s native plants. More than any group of writers in Southern California, your section is defining a sustainable sense of place for Southern Californians. “Under Sage’s Spell” (Nov. 27) is the latest great example.

There is a growing trend toward natives and other drought-tolerant plants in the absence of water rationing. Between 50% and 70% of water used in homes is used outdoors. This momentum will prove valuable in future drought years because every drop of water we conserve in the region today is a drop of water saved in a reservoir or aquifer for use in dry conditions. A 10% reduction can provide enough water for a city the size of San Diego for a year.

Our biggest problem during the next drought may be explaining to less well-prepared residents in the Southwest why they are rationing and we are not. The answer will come from a tour of Southern California homes with smaller lawns and gardens blooming with salvias, columbines, Western irises, heucheras and many other drought-resistant plants that call Southern California home.

Adan Ortega

Los Angeles

Adan Ortega is the vice president of external affairs for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.