Ask Chris
by CHRIS WINSLOW
There seem to be daily reminders that Central Texas is in dire need of some rain. On the radio last week I heard a KUT reporter warn of a fire threat due to drought and windy conditions.
The newspapers are saying that last month will go down as the third driest March on record, and that we’re entering a strong La Niña weather pattern.
Over at Oak Forest, I noticed ‘critical drought’ signs posted at the entrances to the subdivision.
What’s a gardener to do as we enter a third year of drought? First of all, let’s not fret. We know the rains will come eventually… we just don’t know when.
Our job is to conserve water in every possible way. Here are some suggestions:
• Check on irrigation: Make sure none of your systems are leaking and that their station run times encourage turf grass and landscape plants to develop deep root systems. Watering times should be longer and less frequent. Roots will grow deeper, giving plants and turf grass a better chance to survive drought conditions. Where possible, convert to drip irrigation, which puts the water directly into the root zone instead of throwing it in the air. This limits water loss due to evaporation.
• Mulch: A 4 inch layer of hardwood, pine bark, pine straw or hay can drastically cut down evaporation loss to the atmosphere. Mulch also keeps the root zone cooler and your plants less stressed.
• Plant native and drought tolerant species: The “Grow Green” program of the city of Austin has compiled a list of perennials, trees, grasses and shrubs that are naturally drought tolerant. This booklet is available at It’s About Thyme and it’s free. We consider it the “go-to” book for landscaping.
• Take out some turf: When replacing grass that has died due to lack of water, try some native Texas groundcovers. For shady areas, horseherb works well. You can walk over it and mow it if you like. I have it growing in my dry shade areas in my backyard. For sun, try homestead verbena, new gold lantana and blackfoot daisy. All of these and many more can cover open patches of ground, look beautiful and conserve water.
By incorporating a few of these common-sense watering practices, and by planting water-wise landscapes, we can go a long way toward conserving water and keeping our plantscapes beautiful.
Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to [email protected].?Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme, 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin,? TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com
