Your home’s landscaping will soon (if it hasn’t already) face a double whammy. The  rapidly rising cost of water, and its increasing scarcity both threaten to turn Southern California residences into dried up weed patches. Utilities will continue to increase rates and will soon be telling you to turn down the water. Way down.

Thankfully, there are solutions. Increasingly in the news are scores of resourceful homeowners who have found ways to fight back. From developing technology, to little known drought tolerant plant and turf varieties, people are uncovering new ways to save the planet, and at the same time keep their outdoor landscapes looking lush.

For example, researchers at two California universities have developed an amazing new grass variety which looks great, is simple to maintain and saves about 75% over typical water usage. Great strides have been made in artificial turf, which offers zero water and zero maintenance.

Increasingly, ornamental horticulturists are assisting homeowners to strategically incorporate drought tolerant and California native plants into their landscapes. When properly selected, these plant varieties look beautiful and elegant in any landscape, and they thrive on a fraction of the water used by traditional plants and shrubs.

Proper selection of mulch locks in soil moisture, saves water and provides a beautiful accent to landscape designs. An additional 20% of water savings can be attained by using a newly designed sprinkler nozzle, the Rain Bird MP Rotator. Improved sprinkler designs reduce water runoff and misting, while at the same time offer increased precision of smart water application.

New on the market are homeowner affordable smart controllers. These easy to install devices can instantly achieve excellent water savings. Once only available for commercial installations, new residential-compatible models can save 30 to 50%  of typical water usage. Smart controllers constantly monitor weather conditions and apply water only when needed. Gone are the days when your sprinklers inadvertently cycle during a surprise rain storm!

Smart controllers are easily programmable, and require no subscription, internet or satellite connection to work. The Rain Bird ET-Manager actually works with your existing time clock. Unlike first generation commercial controllers, newer designs are simple to install and program. They all achieve smart water application now!

Technology and tradition are meeting the challenges of drought. Responsible homeowners are doing their part. Utilities and state agencies are offering valuable rebates and incentives to help save money and save the planet. Do your part and join the cause today!

For more information, contact Swan Drought Tolerant Technologies, a division of Landscape Design, Inc.