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Wednesday, Jul. 08, 2009

Design Notebook: Saving water with sedge lawns

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This year, summer brings with it mandatory water conservation for several local communities. But even where rationing isn’t compulsory, water-efficient landscaping can be good for the environment, as well as for the pocketbook.

Rick Mathews, owner of Atascadero’s Madrone Landscapes, has been touting the benefits of sustainable gardening since 1977, when he named his newly minted company after the native Madrone tree.

So, what’s the most wasteful component of most landscapes? You guessed it — lawns. According to Mathews, the thick patches of fescue seen in most San Luis Obispo County neighborhoods are an unnecessary and unaffordable strain on our water resources.

“There’s a kind of cultural orientation that arrived in the western U. S. with a population migrating from the East Coast where there’s a lot more rain,” he explained. “It’s an aesthetic based on conditions that just aren’t here.”

If the thought of ripping out your lawn conjures visions of lava rock gardens, rest easy. Mathews recommends lawn replacement materials that offer the same lush, green look for around half the water use — and also significantly less fertilizer, pesticide and other chemicals.

One of his favorite so-called “meadow alternatives” is Carex, or sedge, which is a grasslike plant. Low, evergreen and bunching, Carex will spread with runners to form a turf that looks surprisingly similar to conventional grass, with a slightly more coarse appearance.

“You can walk on it, you can mow it,” said Mathews, who recommends people visit Cal Poly’s Leaning Pine Arboretum to experience the look and feel of a sedge lawn.

He also uses the common perennial yarrow as a lawn alternative. Its soft, fernlike foliage can be mowed to achieve a more uniform look, though not as uniform as a sedge lawn.

Mathews realizes that a traditional lawn is tough to give up, especially when you have kids, pets or enjoy playing outdoor sports.

“If you’re fortunate to have parks nearby, maybe the lawn is less important,” he said, “but generally, most people do have too much turf.”

Downsizing your lawn is an easier alternative to giving it up altogether. Mathews recommends replacing part of your lawn with hardscape like patios, sitting areas, pathways, beds planted with native and drought-tolerant plants, or perhaps even food crops.

Once you’ve identified what type and size of lawn is appropriate for your needs, be sure you’re watering it efficiently. Mathews likes low-flow rotary sprinkler nozzles that distribute water slowly, allowing it enough time to absorb.

“The Central Coast has a lot of areas with clay soil, so there’s a good deal of runoff with conventional sprays applying water too fast,” he said.

Mathews wants people to know that a sustainable landscape doesn’t involve sacrifice. Quite the opposite — a water-wise garden can be beautiful and save money in the long run. Best of all, an efficient landscape means you can spend less time mowing, fertilizing and watering—and more time actually enjoying your yard this summer.

Contact Madrone

Landscapes at 466-6263.