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Water Wise Xeriscape Program
From May through July, the Atlanta Bureau of Water will sponsor free consultations to provide one-on-one instruction in Xeriscaping, a technique that helps conserve water. Gardeners will learn which plants to use for problem spots, as well as techniques to create an attractive landscape that conserves water and requires minimum maintenance. To schedule an appointment (Available May through July) Call 404-330-6801.
Contact: Kelley O’Brien 404-463-3259 Gearing Up For Spring Planting- How to Plant in a Thirsty Environment The Clean Water Campaign will be holding a series of Xeriscaping/Native Plant Workshops in metro Atlanta during March and April in the counties of Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and North and South Fulton Counties. Speakers from the University Cooperative Extension Service offices in the metro Atlanta area are experts in the field of Xeriscaping and native plants. Plants native to Georgia not only survive the extreme conditions of our climate, but also prevent water pollution by not requiring additional fertilizer and pesticide.The term Xeriscape™ refers to an innovative landscaping practice that conserves water and protects the environment. The term Xeriscape (pronounced zera-scape) was created 1981 in response to a prolonged drought. It derives from the Greek word "Xeros," meaning "dry." Today, Xeriscape programs exist in more than 40 states throughout the United States. The National Xeriscape Council’s headquarters is in Atlanta. Xeriscape is an approach to water-wise landscaping using appropriate design, soil preparation, irrigation, plant selection, mulching and maintenance. Xeriscape utilizes native or adapted plants that are more pest resistant and require less fertilizer or pesticides. Increasing demand for water results in periodic water shortages and restrictions on outdoor water use. Periods of limited rainfall or drought make the problem worse. A Xeriscape-type landscape can reduce outdoor water consumption by as much as 50 percent without sacrificing the quality and beauty of your home environment. Xeriscape-type landscape is low maintenance -- saving you time, effort and money. Any landscape, whether newly installed or well established, can be made more water efficient by implementing one or more of the seven steps. Some examples of the steps include soil improvement and appropriate plant selection. You do not have to totally redesign your landscape to save water. Significant water savings can be realized simply by modifying your watering schedule, learning how and when to water, using the most efficient watering methods and learning about the different water needs of plants in your landscape. To register for the workshops, visit the Clean Water Campaign’s Web site, www.cleanwatercampaign.com and click the Xeriscape/Native Plants Workshops button. For more information, contact Kelley O’Brien, stormwater education coordinator, at the Atlanta Regional Commission, 404.463.3259 or kobrien@atlantaregional.com. |
Since
the early 1990’s, the City of Atlanta Bureau of Drinking Water has
provided advice to customers – through Summer Xeriscape Interns
– on water saving landscapes. A student “Xeriscape consultant”
will visit your home and make recommendations on how to get the
most from irrigation in your landscape. The site visit takes about
an hour. The consultant will evaluate the current landscape for
compliance with basic xeriscape principles. Inform customers about
proper planning and design, soil analysis, appropriate plant selection,
practical turf areas, efficient landscape irrigation, use of mulches,
and appropriate maintenance. Water conservation literature and devices
are also provided to homeowners. Through the “Water Wise Landscapes”
program, Atlanta homeowners can learn how to have a beautiful landscape
and protect the environment at the same time.