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, icluding in our case many California natives, 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"