11 Apr EcoTip #2 – Landscape Design for Water Conservation

Water conservation in landscape design involves planting native and adapted plants, and designing land use to capture water and prevent runoff. Garden beds, shrubs and trees are better conservation choices than turf. The Texas Cooperative Extension office can provide a list plants that are native or adapted for your area and conserve water.

Mulching with organic materials such as pine needles, bark and leaves also helps conserve water and discourages weeds from growing. In your garden design, include some vegetables and herbs. Start to expand the amount of food you grow at home each season for a sustainable and beautiful garden that also provides good, fresh food.

Check out the Austin EcoNetwork's EcoCalendar as well as the events calendar of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The City of Austin's Grow Green Programs and the Sustainable Food Center have good lists of gardening resources to help you get planting!