Water -wise demonstration landscape: a case study in water conservation

Abstract

A water wise demonstration landscape, established at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens in Savannah in 1999, showcases the seven principles of Xeriscape and TM various water-saving devices available to consumers. The landscape is divided into three water-use zones: low, moderate, and high. Approximately one-third of the garden is irrigated. A self-guided tour brochure, including a plant list, is available at the entrance. Rainfall and irrigation data were recorded monthly from July 2000 through December 2004. A model was developed, based on XeriscapeTM principles, to forecast how much water the garden should receive each month of the year. Estimates were contrasted with the actual rainfall recorded. The data show that through careful plant selection and design according to XeriscapeTM principles, little supplemental irrigation is needed on landscapes in the coastal region of Georgia. Similar models can be used by water purveyors to estimate how much water a landscaped property should require, based on its size and historical rainfall data.