Water-Efficient Tips for a Sustainable Garden
Hi, I’m Olga Stritar, a water consultant and garden designer passionate about creating sustainable, beautiful outdoor spaces. Through my years of visiting countless gardens, I’ve noticed one key factor often overlooked by homeowners and even professional landscapers: the soil.
Soil is the foundation of every successful garden. Yet, I often see maintenance crews unknowingly working against it by blowing away mulch—a practice that strips the soil of its protective layer, leaving it exposed to harsh sun and wind. Let’s dive into why soil health is essential and how to pair it with the right plants to create a thriving, low-water-use garden.
Why Soil Is the Garden’s Unsing Hero
Healthy soil is alive with organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms. These elements work together to retain moisture, provide nutrients, and create the perfect environment for plant roots to grow.
When soil is left exposed:
Organic Matter Breaks Down – Heat and sunlight destroy the living components of the soil.
Moisture Evaporates – Plants struggle to stay hydrated, even with frequent watering.
Soil Compaction Occurs – Hard, compacted soil can’t absorb water or nutrients effectively.
This is why blowing away mulch is one of the worst things you can do for your garden. Without a protective covering, your soil—and your plants—will suffer.
A Simple Solution for Healthier Soil
Adding a layer of mulch—whether bark, wood chips, or gravel—is an easy way to protect your soil and improve your garden's overall health. Here’s what mulch does:
Shields Soil from the Sun – Prevents organic matter from breaking down too quickly.
Conserves Water – Reduces evaporation, keeping moisture where plants need it most.
Adds Nutrients Over Time – Organic mulches break down and enrich the soil.
Controls Weeds – Suppresses unwanted plants that compete with your garden.
For gardens with native plants, mulch is essential to ensure that your low-water landscape thrives with minimal effort.
Native Plants: Low-Maintenance and Resilient
Native plants are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for beauty with less upkeep. They are naturally adapted to local soils and weather, which means they:
Require less water.
Resist pests and diseases.
Thrive with minimal fertilization.
If you don’t always have time to maintain your garden or mulch regularly, consider native plants like California Poppy or Manzanita (from my recommended list below). These resilient species will still perform well in tougher conditions.
For the Dedicated Gardener: High-Impact, High-Maintenance Plants
For those who enjoy a hands-on approach, there are plenty of non-native plants that can elevate your garden’s beauty. However, these plants require more attention, including consistent mulching, watering, and care. If you’re ready to invest in their upkeep, the results can be stunning.
The key is to never let your soil go unprotected. Without mulch, even the most well-loved plants will struggle to survive.
Recommended Plants for Habitat-Friendly, Water-Wise Gardens
Here’s a curated list of plants that are perfect for creating a low-water, habitat-friendly landscape:
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly.
Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) – Beautiful shrubs with red bark and tiny flowers.
Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.) – Stunning blue blossoms that thrive in dry soil.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – Fragrant and loved by pollinators.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Hardy and colorful, perfect for dry landscapes.
Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla) – Gorgeous purple blooms and aromatic leaves.
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) – A native shrub with bright red winter berries.
Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) – A graceful, drought-tolerant ornamental grass.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) – A small, flowering tree perfect for sunny spots.
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) – An ornamental grass that adds texture and color.
Succulents (Various species) – Low-maintenance and perfect for dry conditions.
Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.) – Delicate blooms that brighten shaded areas.
A Common Garden Mistake: Blowing Mulch
One issue I see repeatedly in gardens is landscapers blowing away mulch during maintenance. While this might make the space look tidy temporarily, it creates long-term problems by exposing the soil to the elements. For homeowners experiencing issues with underperforming plants, this is often the root cause.
If you hire landscapers, I recommend having a conversation about soil care. Educating your maintenance team about the importance of mulch will protect your investment in your garden.
Partnering with Valley Water to Save
As an approved consultant with Valley Water’s rebate program, I can help you offset the cost of transitioning to a water-efficient garden. Whether you need help designing your landscape, calculating water usage, or meeting program requirements, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Learn more about the rebate program here, or reach out to me for personalized assistance.
Ready to Build a Thriving Garden?
At Artistic Garden Designs, I’m here to help you transform your outdoor space into a vibrant, water-efficient haven. Whether you want to work with native plants or explore custom designs, my expertise in soil health, water efficiency, and plant selection will set your garden up for success.
Let’s work together to create a garden where plants—and soil—can thrive.
