Today, with the Mile High City overcast but dry, Denver Water announced a Drought Watch. The Stage 1 response urges Denver residents to reduce water use voluntarily by up to ten percent. The Drought Watch came with a grim advisory that continued dry weather in Denver could lead to a Stage 2 response with mandatory water restrictions.
"Drought" is a dirty word for gardeners, especially those of us who've weathered severe drought in the Mile High City.
In response to Denver Water's announcement, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC - www.alcc.com) issued a statment emphasizing water-saving principles and reminders:
• Landscapes do require water, but plant life also gives back to our environment. "Landscaping is part of our eco-system that cleans the air, shades buildings, mitigates pollution, produces food and cools the urban environment. Landscapes give much more than they take," claimed ALCC.
• Drought-stressed landscapes grow susceptible to disease, weeds, and pests. "Low water does not mean no water," the ALCC stresses. "Water needs to be applied to landscapes responsibly."
• The ALCC notes that budget-friendly irrigation retrofits can help homeowners cut water use this season. Many municipalities including Denver offer rebates on items such as rain shut-off devices, rotary nozzles and weather-based smart controllers.
• Xeric, native, and adaptible plants provide water-smart options for landscapes. For best water-smart options, consider Plant Select options--all screened carefully according to strict criteria including low-water usage. For more about Plant Select, click this link.
• I'm big on composting--not only because composting reduces the amount of trash in the landfill, but also because organic composted growing material helps soil retain moisture. For the dirt on composting, click here.
• The ALCC urges homeowners to consider strategic property renovations that reduce water use in low-priority areas. Xeriscaping and hardscaping are just two options professional designers increasingly employ when landscaping Denver properties with potential drought in mind.
• I also urge you to remember common sense water conservation strategies, too. Turn off water while brushing your teeth. Instead of letting water run down the drain as you wait for your shower to warm, consider catching water in a bucket, then using that water to give your garden a drink.
When we're talking about drought, every drop counts.
••• Cultivate your corner of the world: You grow your garden; your garden grows you.
Colleen Smith gardens in and writes from a historic neighborhood in central Denver. Her second book, "Laid-Back Skier," was released in September 2011 and is available through FridayJonesPublishing.com or Amazon.com and in bookstores, boutiques, and museum gift shops.
Colleen Smith's first novel, "Glass Halo,"is set in Denver, and was a finalist for the 2010 Santa Fe Literary Prize.
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