Water-Wise Landscaping
Designing with water conservation in mind
Water-wise landscaping is about designing your garden to be both beautiful and efficient with water use. By selecting drought-tolerant plants and using efficient watering methods, you can reduce your water bill while helping preserve natural resources.
How to Create a Water-Wise Landscape:
- Choose drought-tolerant plants – Select native and drought-resistant plants that need less water and thrive in your climate.
- Install drip irrigation – Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
- Use mulch to retain moisture – Mulching around plants reduces water evaporation and keeps roots cool.
- Group plants by water needs – Plant species with similar water requirements together to optimize irrigation.
- Water early or late – Water during the early morning or late evening to minimize water loss through evaporation.
Explore Conservation Resources
The Burke Herbarium Image Collection provides an extensive online database of plant, fungi, and lichen specimens, including high-resolution images and detailed records. It supports botanical research, identification, and education, particularly for species in the Pacific Northwest.
The USDA PLANTS Database (Plant List of Accepted Nomenclature, Taxonomy, and Symbols) is a resource offering detailed information on plant species across the United States, including their taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status. It supports research, education, and land management with tools like plant guides and an extensive image library.
The Pacific Northwest Herbaria Consortium provides an online database for exploring plant specimen data from herbaria across the region, supporting botanical research and conservation. It offers tools for mapping, identifying, and studying native plants and their distributions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor provides up-to-date maps and data on drought conditions across the United States, categorizing drought severity from "Abnormally Dry" (D0) to "Exceptional Drought" (D4). Updated weekly, it serves as a vital resource for understanding current drought statuses and trends nationwide.
The Washington State Department of Ecology's Water Conservation webpage offers practical tips and resources to help residents use water efficiently and avoid waste. By adopting simple daily habits, individuals can contribute to preserving this finite resource, ensuring adequate water supply for current and future needs.
Get Involved!
Find your local Conservation District to learn how you can make a difference.
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