It’s the time of year when people start moving outside to enjoy their yards and gardens; and also when they begin watering their plants more frequently due to the warmer weather. Most Georgia counties have posted water restrictions that must be obeyed during this time of year, making some plants not exactly the most viable of options as others may be (especially in the case of a drought). Whispering Springs Nursery has a few ideas to help you conserve water in your Georgia garden and landscape, so check them out below!

Eco-Friendly Garden Ideas

• Go on a Sustainable-Garden Tour- These tours can give you great  ideas about how you may wish to proceed with your eco-friendly green space. (Plus, they’re just fun!)

• Permeable Pavement–  This material is made of concrete that is bound together loosely, so water can penetrate it; this reduces runoff and improves water flow to surrounding plants. Many people use permeable pavers in their garden areas.

• Use Mulch- This helps the covered soil to retain moisture longer than ‘exposed’ soil.

• Create a “Rain Garden”- These gardens are designed in shallowly built areas of the ground (usually depressions are dug in the ground), that capture rainwater running off of roofs and/or pavement. This is a huge helper for stormwater runoff that can overflow local drainage systems and spread pollution into our water systems.

• Plant Native and Drought Resistant Plants- Not all native plants are considered ‘drought resistant,’ however, native plants do tend to do well without extra watering of effort. Drought resistant plants need less water (as the name implies); or plant low water-use trees around your yard as another option.

Species Specific

The following are just a few suggestions of hearty, drought resistant and native plants for your Georgia landscape or garden:

• Annuals: Vinca, Amaranths, Cocks Comb, Gold Button Plant, Petunias, ‘Byron’s Beauty’ (Passiflora), Cosmos, Mexican Sunflower, Moss Verbena, Hybrid Blue Salvia, Zinnias, etc.

• Perennial (Natives): Lilies, Blue Stars, Queen Ann’s Lace, Red Honeysuckle, Yellow Yarrow), Clematis, Pink Sundrops, Blackberry Lily, Asters (native species), Purple Cone Flower, Spiderwort, Woodland Ageratum, Cross Vine and more.

Whispering Springs Nursery of Jasper, Ga. enjoys bringing new ideas to fellow gardeners, but did you know that we also specialize in landscaping services? Softscapes or hardscapes, we do it all! Please contact us today about our landscape design services for your property at 770-893-1254.

There are plenty of ways your garden can save water; a little research can save you a lot of time and money, plus help the environment & give you and your family a beautiful green space to enjoy!