Stay in water conservation mode, despite recent rains
Stay on odd, even cycle
BY: ROBERT N. BREWER

The myriad of flowers in this back yard soften a privacy fence and are all perennials that attract butterflies. Birds and butterflies alike prefer very shallow birdbaths like the metal one on the left of the photo. Butterflies also enjoy soaking up warmth each morning from stepping stones in the garden. Native wildflowers and perrenials need less water than many of your hybrids and exotics.

Most Georgians have become accustomed to following an odd or even day schedule for watering their lawns. You should continue to keep on those schedules whether they are required by your local government or not.

However, just because it's your day to water, doesn't mean you have to. Your grass doesn't know what day it is, so if it doesn't need water, wait another day or two.

And most turfgrasses only need an inch of water per week. Some can survive on less.

Aside from keeping a watering schedule, here are several recommendations for saving water while maintaining your landscape:

Follow these tips:

* If you need to fertilize, select a type of fertilizer with less nitrogen.

(Above) This refreshing little pond in your yard can take advantage of a stream or be a man made recycling water area. It is surrounded by drought-hardy day lilies, sedem, and grasses- less work, less watering.

To save water, slack off on fertilization so that you aren=t increasing plant top growth. You don=t need to stimulate your grass to grow when you=re trying to save water.

* Increase your mower height. In general, the lower your mowing height, the shallower your root system.

You want deeper roots with more soil volume to explore for water and nutrients.

* Promote deeper plant roots by watering less often than normal.

Increase the duration between your irrigation sessions. This way you condition your grass to search deeper for water.

* Think ahead to the future.

We're out of the drought now, but no one knows for how long. You have to keep preconditioning your lawn for the next drought and conserving water both for the short and long term.

Despite the recent abundance of rain water, remember water is still a precious resource.

Gloriosa daisies are wonderful summer flowers that take little water and keep on blooming most of the summer.

You should keep the concept of saving water because it's a precious, precious resource. We need to insure that there's enough of it around in both wet and dry seasons.