Conserving water in the garden
By Fiona Wagner • Bankrate.com

1. Planning and design. Understanding your garden's topography, soil type and exposure helps you group plants according to their needs. For example, tough, drought-tolerant plants thrive in areas exposed to full sun while water-hungry plants could do well in depressions that collect rainwater run-off.

2. Soil improvements. Clay soil is dense and slow to absorb and release water while sandy soil dries out very quickly. To help your soil hold water better and encourage deeper roots, work in a few inches of compost or manure. "If you've selected the right species and you're adding good organic matter to the soil regularly and improving the water holding capacity of your soil, then you shouldn't need to add water very much at all," says Susan Fisher, senior researcher with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

3. Efficient irrigation. Group plants with similar watering requirements together to maximize water efficiency. Use a water wand attachment to direct water to the roots, not the leaves, or invest in a drip irrigation system. Water slowly so that the soil absorbs water instead of running off. Once your plants are established, water thoroughly and less frequently to encourage deep roots.

4. Plant selection. The majority of plants in your garden should be ones with low water needs. Native species -- ones accustomed to the normal conditions of your climate and property -- need little water and maintenance to thrive. Native species are also pest-resistant, attract birds and butterflies and often propagate freely, saving you future trips to the nursery. "Everybody landscapes to be unique but everybody goes for exotic things," says Hilkene. "To be unique, go native. It'll save you time and (money) on your water bill." Speak to your local nursery or check the Internet for plant lists and ideas.

5. Mulch. Applying at least four inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips, keeps plant roots cool, minimizes evaporation and reduces weed growth. It also gives your garden a finished look.

6. Turf alternatives. Consider reducing the amount of water-loving turf you have with a low-maintenance lawn.

7. Maintenance. For the first year or two, your new garden will require weeding, watering, pruning and pest control to help get plants established. But as plants mature, your maintenance time will decrease.

Gardening tips
Even if you decide not to chose a Xeriscaped garden, there are ways to make the most of your water and improve the health of your garden.

• Established grass only requires one inch of water per week, which can be measured with a tuna can. Time how long it takes your sprinkler to fill the can, then set the timer accordingly. If your sprinkler doesn't have timer, set an alarm clock.
• Leave a container in your garden to monitor the rainfall you actually receive. Water only when needed.
• Water early or late in the day (between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation. Avoid watering on windy days.
• Collect water off your roof with a rain barrel fitted with an insect screen.
• Too much fertilizer makes a garden thirsty. Use a slow-release fertilizer sparingly and one that isn't soluble in water.
• Avoid watering hard spaces like driveways and patios -- clean with a broom instead. Set your sprinkler so it's actually landing on your garden.
• If you're putting in a water feature, make sure it recycles the water it uses.

Fiona Wagner is a freelance writer in Georgetown, Ont.