LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/289392
98 Landscape Architect and Specifier News I n f o r m a t i o n R e q u e s t # 5 1 6 I n f o r m a t i o n R e q u e s t # 5 6 5 p l a n t w o r l d Learning to Grow New Draught-Tolerant Plants Many drought-tolerant plants require a period of regular watering to establish the roots. "Drought-tolerant once established" is commonly seen on the labels of these plants. As part of regular maintenance, it's important that the infrequent watering be deep to force the roots down into the lower soil levels that readily contain more moisture. Applying mulch is another helpful water conservation practice because it greatly reduces the amount of water that evaporates, and keeps the soil cooler during the warmer months. Mulch also improves the quality of soils by breaking up clay and allowing water and air movement through. Sandy soils benefit because mulch provides nutrients and improves the soil's moisture-holding capacity. Mulch also helps prevent weed growth. Water Conservation Resources There are some excellent resources available to assist landscape professionals in water conservation efforts: The Water Conservation Garden ( www.thegarden.org ) in El Cajon, Calif., has excellent exhibits and programs. The University of California Cooperative Extension ( www.ucanr.edu/ sites/WUCOLS ) has just released the new 2014 Water Use Classification of Landscape Species list, or WUCOLS IV. A Great Opportunity The current drought conditions offer landscape architects and designers the opportunity to burnish their "green" credentials and assume a leading role in developing sustainable landscapes that hold soil and water, conserve energy, offer an exciting diversity and endure over the long term. In so doing, they help reduce the destructive impact of climate change, air and water pollution, drought and water shortages. Not a bad trade-off. Among the top-performing new varieties of drought-tolerant plants is 'Blush Pink' Nandina (top). 'Blush Pink' is a new variety of Nandina 'Firepower,' a noninvasive selection of the invasive ornamental Nandina domestica ('heavenly' bamboo), according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The leaves are light to medium green with pink new growth during summer and a purplish-pink to red during fall and winter. (Continued from page 14) 98.indd 98 3/25/14 3:33 PM