*Color*

Is the flower or foliage color compatible with other plants or the background color of the building? (Figure 2)

#### *Functional use*

Is the plant suitable for the location and intended purpose; i.e. under low windows, along the perimeter of the property as screening hedge, or as a ground cover?

Choose plants that can survive on normal rainfall in your area or that require minimal irrigation. Existing native-plant communities are an example of the "right plant in the right place." Match these factors with your soil and climatic conditions.

Fig. 2. Alkanna tinctoria TAUSCH. (example of many slope area) (Ganos Mountains, Tekirdağ,Turkey)

#### **2.5 Efficient irrigation**

A water-wise landscape requires a minimal amount of supplemental water from irrigation. When irrigation is used, water is applied efficiently and effectively to make every drop count (Wade et al., 2002). Irrigating lawns, gardens, and landscapes can be accomplished either manually or with an automatic irrigation system. Manual watering with a hand-held hose tends to be the most water-efficient method. Using irrigation water efficiently also requires us to select the appropriate type of irrigation for the plants and for each area of the landscape. Trees and shrubs in the low water-use zone would need supplemental water only during establishment (first 8 to 10 weeks after transplanting); plants in moderate wateruse zones require water only during periods of limited rainfall when they show signs of stress. For these plants, a temporary system such as a soaker hose or hand watering may be all that is required. On the other hand, high water-use zones require frequent watering and may warrant a permanent system with automatic controls. Whenever possible, use highly efficient watering techniques, such as drip irrigation (Wade et al., 2002).

#### **2.6 Use mulches**

Mulching is one of the most beneficial landscape practices. Mulches conserve moisture by preventing evaporative water loss from the soil surface and reducing the need for supplemental irrigation during periods of limited rainfall. By maintaining an even moisture

Is the flower or foliage color compatible with other plants or the background color of the

Is the plant suitable for the location and intended purpose; i.e. under low windows, along

Choose plants that can survive on normal rainfall in your area or that require minimal irrigation. Existing native-plant communities are an example of the "right plant in the right

Fig. 2. Alkanna tinctoria TAUSCH. (example of many slope area) (Ganos Mountains,

efficient watering techniques, such as drip irrigation (Wade et al., 2002).

A water-wise landscape requires a minimal amount of supplemental water from irrigation. When irrigation is used, water is applied efficiently and effectively to make every drop count (Wade et al., 2002). Irrigating lawns, gardens, and landscapes can be accomplished either manually or with an automatic irrigation system. Manual watering with a hand-held hose tends to be the most water-efficient method. Using irrigation water efficiently also requires us to select the appropriate type of irrigation for the plants and for each area of the landscape. Trees and shrubs in the low water-use zone would need supplemental water only during establishment (first 8 to 10 weeks after transplanting); plants in moderate wateruse zones require water only during periods of limited rainfall when they show signs of stress. For these plants, a temporary system such as a soaker hose or hand watering may be all that is required. On the other hand, high water-use zones require frequent watering and may warrant a permanent system with automatic controls. Whenever possible, use highly

Mulching is one of the most beneficial landscape practices. Mulches conserve moisture by preventing evaporative water loss from the soil surface and reducing the need for supplemental irrigation during periods of limited rainfall. By maintaining an even moisture

the perimeter of the property as screening hedge, or as a ground cover?

place." Match these factors with your soil and climatic conditions.

*Color* 

building? (Figure 2)

Tekirdağ,Turkey)

**2.6 Use mulches** 

**2.5 Efficient irrigation** 

*Functional use* 

supply in the soil, mulches prevent fluctuations in soil moisture that can damage roots. Placing a layer of mulch directlyaround shrubs and trees and on flower beds helps to conserve water. In fact, mulch


#### **2.7 Appropriate maintenance**

The objective of Xeriscape maintenance is to discourage water-demanding new growth on plants. In other words, keep plants healthy, but do not encourage growth at all times. Depending on your current level of maintenance, this may require you to fertilize less often with less fertilizer, to prune only when necessary and lightly when essential and, of course, to irrigate less. Remember, a Xeriscape-type landscape is a low-maintenance landscape. By working smarter, not harder, in the landscape, you'll save time, energy and water without sacrificing the beauty of the environment. Proper watering, weeding and pruning, mowing, and limited fertilization and pest control will keep your Xeriscape healthy and beautiful. Mow your turf grass high (maximum height of one inch for Bermudagrass and two inches for others) and often and leave the short clippings to decompose and replace nitrogen in the soil. Every time you cut your grass, you weaken the root system to some degree, and the more you cut the top growth, the more you restrict root system development. When you remove more than 40 percent of the top growth, the roots stop growing. By mowing high you encourage the development of a deep root system, which is a key to drought tolerance and weed resistance. Higher grass also shades the soil more, acting as a living mulch.

#### **3. References**


Wade, L., James, T., Coder K. D., Landry G. and Tyson, A. W. 2002. A guide to developing a water-wise landscape, University of Georgia Environmental Landscape Design Department, Georgia.

Welsh, D. 2000. Xeriscape: North Carolina, National Zeriscape Council, 28p, USA.

Wade, L., James, T., Coder K. D., Landry G. and Tyson, A. W. 2002. A guide to developing a

Welsh, D. 2000. Xeriscape: North Carolina, National Zeriscape Council, 28p, USA.

Department, Georgia.

water-wise landscape, University of Georgia Environmental Landscape Design
