Visite Florida-Friendly Landscaping for a database of waterwise plants.

With a little bit of planning, homeowners can turn their landscaping projects into water-saving ventures. One of the most important steps in landscape design is putting the right plant in the right place.

Grouping plants together based on their water needs, not just their colors, is healthier for your plants and allows you to use water more efficiently.

Keep high-water use plants together in an "Oasis" area and locate the more drought tolerant species that will not need watering to the outer edges, or "Fringe", of the landscape. In between the "Oasis" and "Fringe" zones are the "Transition" plantings, which should be tough, durable plants that need some water about once a week.

Use good horticultural practices to keep your landscape looking its best. Improve sandy sites with organic matter before adding plants and remember to use mulch. When water is needed, wet the soil and then wait until it starts to dry before irrigating again. Only fertilize if you want growth and if adequate moisture is available.

In the beginning, all waterwise plantings will need irrigating until their roots take hold. Once that happens, watering can be reduced or even eliminated for some plantings. Check with your local nursery to learn about the variety of waterwise plants available in your area or visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping for a database of plants.

Below are just a few examples of plants that can be used to make your yard more waterwise:

More Landscaping Tips:

• Give ground covering plants like ivy and ferns adequate room to grow. Congestion or competition leads to root rot.
• Make sure vines have something to grow on like a trellis or fence. Avoid letting vines grow up a tree.
• Examine each plant for insects, diseases and mechanical damage.
• Avoid power lines when planting trees. Tree trimming tips
• Remember over-watering promotes shallow root growth and makes your lawn more susceptible to insects and disease. Watering wisely