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We'd like to say a few important words regarding
climate and water
conservation...
It strikes
us that a lot of the people who make their
homes in the Santa Clara Valley come here from other places
where summer rain is common and watering isn't always
necessary.
Here in California, we
live in one of the world's five "Mediterranean" climates,
meaning we experience weather patterns similar to a few distinct
places around the world.
Mediterranean regions:
- Tend to experience
moderate temperatures year-round
- Warm arid summer
- Cool winter rainy
season
- Regular cycles of drought
- Low
summer humidity, creating high rates
of evapotranspiration (ET) in plants.
Since California's population is
ever-increasing, and new sources of fresh water are not, we'll
someday reach a point where demand for water exceeds supply.
At the current use rate, the
Santa Clara Valley Water District projects that by the year 2020
there will be a 100,000 acre foot shortfall. (One acre foot is
365,000 gallons, enough water for a family of five for one
year.)
Considering that 50% of
California's urban water use goes toward landscaping, we
believe it's a good idea to make more efficient use of the available
water!
Along those lines, whether
designing new landscapes and irrigation systems or upgrading old
ones, we tend to follow a practice called "xeriscaping".
Derived from the Greek word for
"dry", xeriscaping divides a landscape into water use
zones, with the most water-intense areas (think lawns and
annual flower beds) reduced in size and located closer to
people.
Then, outlying areas are
planted with more drought tolerant species, and emphasis is
given to the most efficient use of watering devices, with drip
irrigation and bubblers playing prominent roles.
The right
plant... in the right place!
Plant choices are important.
Recognizing suitable "Mediterranean" plants will help you to
establish a sustainable, drought-tolerant landscape.
Xeriscaping isn't
limited to cactus, succulents and native plants, but those
elements can be combined with other "unthirsty" plants into
beautiful, functional, traditional and contemporary
landscapes.
Many well adapted, colorful and
interesting plants have been introduced to our local
landscapes from areas of Australia, South Africa, Chile, and
the Mediterranean basin of southern Europe and North
Africa.
In addition, the creative use of
cobblestones, gravel, bark mulch, and more permanent "hardscape"
(decks, pavers, concrete, etc.) can extend outdoor living areas with
low water use.
Call or email us for
design help today.
408.369.1391
For more Xeriscaping
information and some great landscaping ideas we recommend a new
publication available through East Bay Municipal Utilities
District.
(Click on the
title to browse or order.)
"Plants and Landscapes For Dry-Summer Climates of the
San Francisco Bay Area"
For more water conservation
tips be sure to follow the link below to the Rain
Bird® web site for a detailed article called:
"The Intelligent Use Of
Water" | 
