With the recent hot weather, the right time to discuss how to have a nice lawn without using so much water is now. What is a Waterwise lawn, and how does it work? There is and will continue to be a battle about who owns the water in our state. Working for change is essential because the planet is worth the effort.
My 100-year-old uncle Les Rutledge said, "Do what you can while you can. It is one lawn, one neighborhood at a time." With the help of Waterwise Project LLC, he created a drought-tolerant landscape in his yard using dozens of native plants and reducing the amount of water used to help the plants grow deep roots.
I visited with Karla Roberts, Project Manager of Waterwise Project LL. She said the first thing to do is study the native plants of Montana with the objective of preserving and conserving them. "Native plants can support a healthier ecosystem and a higher diversity of insects and animals. A native plant is simply those plants that existed in Montana before European colonization. Plants that were introduced intentionally or accidentally can harm native plants."
"Native plants have adapted to cold, dry, and erratic conditions. Birds, insects, and other plants have become accustomed to specific host plants, so native plants meet native wildlife and insects' special food needs."
Karla Roberts removed the sod and changed the irrigation system.
"Waterwise native plant gardening can be beautiful," she said. "Not only is it environmentally responsible, it is beautiful. Native insects and native birds need the native plants to survive." This October, the plants were established and flourished until the snow arrived. "Not only is it not too late to make a change," she said. "But anyone who lives here can take the responsibility to make a change and make a difference. No matter how hard it is, you might have to call your neighbors to help."
How to create a water-wise yard Soil Prep: Weed removal is important. If your site has an established lawn, you will want to remove the xeriscape rockery. You can hand-pull or spray one gallon of vinegar, one cup of dish soap, and one cup of salt to kill all your weeds!
Planting seeds will increase your diversity of options, but it is easier to start with a potted plant. Some seeds need to be planted in the fall to germinate, and others require special treatment.
First, soak everything for 30 minutes every 7-10 days to encourage deep root growth. Don't water when it's windy, don't water when it's going to rain, but do water early.
Use mulch after watering, which reduces the evaporation of one to four inches of bark-type mulch or straw, even ponderosa pine need.
What to plant: Blanket flowers, Perstemon, Prairie Crocus, Aster, Echinacea, Sticky Geranium, Cone Flower, Blue Bunch Grass, Clematises, Columbine, Woodland or Purple Sage, Prairie Smoke, Balsam Root, Sulfer, Buck Wheat, Golden Root, Phlox, Yarrow, and Indian Rice grass.
Rutledge said, "Making a difference is worth the effort. Being water-wise means using water more efficiently."
I went to Cornell University and got eight steps to a Water-Wise Garden.
1. Add organic matter to your soil. All soil is not created equal.
2. Deliver water to the root zone.
3. Use mulch to retain water.
4. Use free water.
5. Choose plants carefully.
6. Reduce your lawn.
7. Plan before you plant
8. Take care of your plants.
"Use lawn grass mixes that are naturally drought tolerant (such as fescues) and are adapted to your site's condition. Mow grass higher (mowed height at least three inches tall) to encourage larger root systems, leave grass clippings on the lawn, and do not apply nitrogen fertilizer in spring."
"Lawns should be fertilized in the fall if indicated by a soil test, as most root growth and food storage occurs at this time. An application may be made once the weather has cooled enough to minimize fertilizer burn – around Labor Day, though you may apply fertilizer effectively through October. High-maintenance lawns may be fertilized in fall and late spring (around Memorial Day. Slow-release fertilizer sources such as natural organics will provide a more uniform release of nitrogen than water-soluble, quick-release material. The lawn will be green for an extended period, and top growth won't be excessive. Some natural organic compost-based products will also suppress diseases."
For other references, you could contact the Montana Native Plant Society. Great Bear Nursery, Source guide for Native Plants in Montana, High Country Gardens, Chouteau County Extension and MSU, Waterwise Project LLC (karlalovestoride@yahoo.com)
