Say goodbye to water-guzzling lawns and create beautiful, landscape designs
Low-Water Landscaping For Dummies will teach you to preserve one of our most critical natural resources while simultaneously maximizing your curb appeal. Ditch wasteful, inefficient irrigation methods like sprinkler systems and learn how to embrace designs that save water. This book guides you through different styles of landscaping, introduces you to uniquely drought-tolerant plants, and provides solutions for even the trickiest terrains. You can break the cycle of constant watering, without sacrificing the relaxing atmosphere and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Learn how it’s possible to have vibrant, unique, gorgeous landscapes that incorporate grasses, perennials, shrubs, trees, groundcovers, and succulents without wasting hundreds of gallons of water each day. Packed with useful tips, achievable plans, and easy-to-understand instructions, Low-Water Landscaping For Dummies is the only resource eco-conscious gardeners need to design, plant, and enjoy the landscape of their dreams.
* Design a landscape that fits your space and budget
* Discover beautiful, drought-tolerant plants
* Get regional tips to ensure success
* Troubleshoot common gardening problems
If you want to protect the environment, save money on water bills, and learn more about drought-tolerant plants, this is the friendly Dummies guide for you.
Tabella dei contenuti
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Low-Water Landscaping 5
Chapter 1: Lacking Water? No Problem 7
Chapter 2: Conserving and Harvesting Water 21
Chapter 3: Waste Not, Want Not: Watering Strategically 41
Chapter 4: Making Soil Your Ally 61
Chapter 5: Watering with Irrigation Systems 83
Part 2: Making Smart Plant Choices 101
Chapter 6: Choosing Flowers 103
Chapter 7: Selecting Succulents 121
Chapter 8: In It for the Long Haul: Shrubs, Vines, and Trees 139
Chapter 9: Raising Edible Foods 157
Chapter 10: Planting and Caring for Low-Water Plants 175
Part 3: Leaving Your Lawn Behind 203
Chapter 11: Taking Out a Lawn 205
Chapter 12: Replacing Grass with Low-Water Solutions 221
Chapter 13: Considering Artificial Turf 241
Chapter 14: Pondering Rock Gardening 249
Part 4: Landscaping with Watering Needs in Mind 263
Chapter 15: Appreciating Mulch and Other Helpful Products 265
Chapter 16: Keeping Water in Your Yard 283
Chapter 17: Succeeding with Potted Plants 297
Chapter 18: Including Water Features in Your Landscape 307
Chapter 19: Updating Xeriscaping for Today’s Low-Water Landscapes 317
Part 5: The Parts of Tens 325
Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Avoid Wasting Landscape Water 327
Chapter 21: Ten Great-Looking, Low-Water Plants 333
Index 341