Aprl 2013 / May 2013 | Smart Water Landscapes

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- Jon George shares seasonal portraits of garden design tailored for our North Florida climate in each issue of the Landscape Calendar written for local magazine Home - Living in the Heart of Florida.  Check out each issue to learn secrets of how he and his staff create colorful landscapes any month of the year. You may contact his staff for questions at cottagegardensinc@yahoo.com.

April 2013 / May 2013

Be environmentally conscious by designing a water savvy garden

Start with a water-smart design: North Florida often experiences rain shortages in spring and fall. Simplify your landscape by grouping plants together according to watering needs. Try planting drought-loving plants in a dry creek bed, or redesign a low spot in the yard to accommodate moisture-loving plants.

Consider a lawn replacement: St. Augustine grass takes a huge amount of irrigation to stay lush and green. Alternatively, Centipede, Bahia or Zoysia turf grass selections require less water, which could cut your watering bill by half.

Use native & Florida-friendly plants: Red Yucca or blue Aloe blooms (pictured left) attract hummingbirds and require little care. Native cabbage palms and several species of native grasses all lend to a sub-tropical feel and, once established, need no extra watering.

Convert to drip irrigation: Forget what you knew about soaker hoses in the past. Drip irrigation has come a long way in the last several years with advances in design and durability. Micro mist systems are also increasing in popularity with their ability to disperse low levels of water precisely to selected plants.

Jon George is the owner of Cottage Gardens, Inc., a Gainesvillebased landscape design and installation firm.Jon has been gardening in North Central Florida for more than 30 years. You may contact his staff at www.TheCottageGardener. com or at cottagegardensinc@ yahoo.com.