With all of the concern about the drought Southern California is experiencing, I thought now would be a good time to combine two related topics and talk about ocean friendly gardens and how they conserve water as well as protect the sea. The Los Angeles area had just 3.6 inches of precipitation last year, the lowest amount in recorded history, so it is really important that all of us do our best when it comes to conservation.
Run off from gardens is one of the leading sources of ocean pollution. Overwatering and improper irrigation can lead to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides trickling into the ocean and damaging sea life. Synthetic fertilizers are especially dangerous as their increased nutrients lead to algal blooms and red tides, lowering dissolved oxygen levels enough to kill aquatic habitat and fisheries. One of the best ways to prevent this, and also conserve water, is to create a swale or dry stream bed. These soak up rainwater in the soil, preventing it from rushing off of the property. Water sponged up in soil provides natural flood control and supports soil micro-organisms, which bring water to plants as they "request" it.
Another excellent way to conserve water and keep an ocean friendly garden is to use as many native and drought tolerant plants as possible. These have become really popular in recent years and, since California has so many varieties, creating unique landscaping is a breeze. This link offers some great suggestions on drought tolerant plants to get started with. The Southern California Metropolitan Water District also offers all sorts of wonderful programs and ideas, and this link will direct you to rebate offers on conservation materials, gardening tips, live and online landscaping tutorials and what the water restrictions might be in your neighborhood. The Surfrider Foundation is also an amazing organization in the fight for conservation and protecting our oceans, and their website offers all sorts of important information and resources.
Run off from gardens is one of the leading sources of ocean pollution. Overwatering and improper irrigation can lead to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides trickling into the ocean and damaging sea life. Synthetic fertilizers are especially dangerous as their increased nutrients lead to algal blooms and red tides, lowering dissolved oxygen levels enough to kill aquatic habitat and fisheries. One of the best ways to prevent this, and also conserve water, is to create a swale or dry stream bed. These soak up rainwater in the soil, preventing it from rushing off of the property. Water sponged up in soil provides natural flood control and supports soil micro-organisms, which bring water to plants as they "request" it.
Another excellent way to conserve water and keep an ocean friendly garden is to use as many native and drought tolerant plants as possible. These have become really popular in recent years and, since California has so many varieties, creating unique landscaping is a breeze. This link offers some great suggestions on drought tolerant plants to get started with. The Southern California Metropolitan Water District also offers all sorts of wonderful programs and ideas, and this link will direct you to rebate offers on conservation materials, gardening tips, live and online landscaping tutorials and what the water restrictions might be in your neighborhood. The Surfrider Foundation is also an amazing organization in the fight for conservation and protecting our oceans, and their website offers all sorts of important information and resources.
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