With all this talk about saving water, one place to really make a dent is with outdoor landscaping. And as we slowly and I mean slowly slip into fall next month, the time will be here pretty soon when Inlanders can start planting again.

Just because landscaping is water-efficient doesn't mean it has to be prickly cactus and rocks. It can also mean lavender, rosemary and other plants that not only smell good but look good. To get some ideas on what to plant, western Riverside County water agencies are hosting "Native Nights" on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Riverside at the Western Municipal Water District. You can learn more about water-efficient plants and which ones work well in the area. It's free but you have to register. Click the above link to get that information. The agency is also offering a four-part landscaping course, on Saturdays in September. Check out the details here.

Perris-based Eastern Municipal Water District will be offering similar classes throughout the fall, starting Sept. 8, that include composting, landscape design and sprinkler systems. And for those of you in the Coachella Valley, the local water district has some ideas for outdoor gardening in the hotter desert where outdoor water can account for 80 percent of a home's water use.

And don't forget to click on the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden's website to get a weekly tip on native plant gardening.

Update And how could I forget? Thanks to Bob Muir over at Metropolitan Water District for the reminder -- you can also check out www.bewaterwise.com for more tips.

2 Comments

Bob Muir on August 28, 2007 1:40 PM said:

Jennifer,

Don't be afraid to use the phrase "California Friendly," which incorporates native and drought-tolerant plants and landscaping. Along with your links, your readers also might want to visit the web site, "bewaterwise.com," sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District and the Family of Southern California Water Agencies.

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Mary Ann Ruiz on August 28, 2007 10:50 PM said:

Be sure to check the website at RSABG for their fall plant sale. Fall is the best time to plant natives, and their sale is great! I have a really nice driveway strip planted after last year's sale. UC Riverside Botanic Gardens also has a fall sale with lots of natives. Besides the conservation advantages, my native stuff helps connect me to our mountains and deserts when i'm not able to get out hiking.

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