| "Arid surroundings and limited annual rainfall have led Southern California water districts like SMWD to encourage their customers to adopt water-wise practices. Fortunately, most have jumped on the conservation bandwagon and adopted water wise practices of their own." "For many, it is easy to associate water conservation with low-flush toilets, no-drip faucets and shorter showers, but another great place to save water and reduce your water bill is in your own backyard ? literally." "More than half the water used by the typical California family is sprinkled on lawns and flower beds. Replacing a portion of your lawn with beautiful native and California-friendly plants can save between 1,000 and 1,800 gallons a month, depending on your climate, so SMWD has started this regular column on "water-wise plants."" "If that phrase conjures images of cacti and tumbleweeds, think again. There are hundreds of beautiful, colorful flowers that thrive in a dry Mediterranean environment like southern Orange County, including this week's pick, the Cedros Island Verbena." "This is a lovely and versatile
... read the whole article |