SIMPLE IDEAS FOR SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

Traditional landscaping (think large, lush grass lawns) aren’t sustainable in the high desert’s arid climate. Here are a few easy ways to make your landscaping at home more friendly for the environment and use less water.

Sustainable landscaping in the high desert is essentially planning, planting, and maintaining your outdoor space in a way that uses water judiciously. Its benefits go beyond being stewards of a limited resource. A sustainable landscape saves time, energy, and money. As a general rule, you can save up to 40 percent on your water bill if you’re managing your irrigation wisely.

Whether designing a new landscape or retrofitting an existing one, selecting low- to moderate-water-use plants and adhering to efficient irrigation practices are key to creating a sustainable outdoor space in our low-moisture environment, said Amy Jo Detweiler, associate professor of horticulture for the OSU Extension in Central Oregon.

In addition to proper plant selection and irrigation practices, Detweiler said that modifying the soil of plant beds is a smart way to conserve water and maintain a thriving landscape.

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