Practice & Philosophy

 

Water conservation is fast becoming an increasingly important  strategy for living in our high (dry) plains here in the Rocky Mountain region.

I would like M-Squared to be regarded as a leader in creating water-wise beautiful low maintenance xeric gardens for our clients.

Drip irrigation systems, timers and soaker hoses are essential equipment as is a hardy, lower maintenance, attractive water-wise plant selection. Deadheading also saves water, so do attractive gravel mulches and well placed rocks and partitions that give shade and subsequent moisture to plants.  Adding organic compost also helps the earth hold in moisture.

Group high water plants together.  Group low water plants together. Group moderate water plants together. Their water needs are very different and very xeric plants can drown when placed in with high water requiring plants.

And…. location, location, location really helps!  Planting your plants trees and shrubs in the correct place the first time saves time and energy. 

It is our responsibility as keepers of the plants to read up and understand each plants ideal growing conditions (with regard to soil, sun, water and soil enrichment or not) as the plant requires.

It’s also important to know how big they will get (Width and height-wise) before planting. You can choose an optimum site where they will have ideal growing conditions plus all the room they need to reach their full size.  Don’t try to pack them in. 

Wisely choose plants, trees, and shrubs that will require less water.
Please see our plant list.

Watering

New gardens need to be watered regularly and attentively for one full year. After that you can cut back on watering.

During the second year, from June to mid Oct.,  see if you can water once per week (1 /2”). 

During the third year,  from June to mid Oct., water every other week (1/2”).

By the 4th year your drought tolerant plantings may be ready for deep watering approximately once per month (for ½ hour) with an oscillating sprinkler, or when needed in the hottest part of the summer.

You can also do several on/off cycles with your drip system, which allows for a much deeper more efficient watering.

Water for 2 minutes turn off for 10 minutes then on for another 2 minutes. Repeat for a 2nd or 3rd cycle depending on the heat. Watering early in the morning is preferable and gives the plants and the earth a chance to dry a bit.

Do not water late in the day as it encourages mold.  Do not water mid-day, as you will have a high evaporation rate.

Please remember to have your sprinkler system blown out by mid October and disconnect and drain all hoses.

Winter watering in our dry climate is very important as it helps de-stress and increase overall health and productivity.

Evergreens and roses especially need extra water during the winter.  Strive for monthly winter watering November through March.  Your plants and shrubs will be ever so much healthier. Make sure to disconnect your hose and drain it when the temperature is at or near freezing. This will prevent ice build up in your sill cock and will prevent costly interior repairs.

You want to encourage your plantings to develop deep root systems which will help them survive in times of drought.

Training them and yourself to use less water is the point.

Maintenance

We suggest putting one inch of compost on the surface of your garden (top dress) spring or fall.  We use a wonderful product called Mile High Rose Food in early summer to boost general health and nutrition.  The rose food can be scratched in around all the plants, shrubs and trees.  However, many truly xeric plants do not need amendments and do fine as is.

M-Squared encourages all of us to spend time in the garden. Set aside an hour to just be quiet and perhaps have a cup of tea.  Also we invite you to “keep in touch” with your garden and set aside an hour per week to take care of whatever needs doing:

Keep your hand on the pulse of the garden.

If you have questions, about the health of a plant, bring in a sample to
Harlequins Gardens at 4795 26th St. in Boulder CO.  
Telephone 303-939-9403 or visit www.harlequinsgardens.com

Please visit their demonstration gardens.  We hope you too will be inspired by their knowledge, their willingness to share it and their top-notch plant selection and classes. They are a wonderful resource.

Also periodically check your drip system. Watch it run it’s full cycle, notice if there is a geyser or a very dry looking plant which might indicate a leak or a blockage. Call your sprinkler person.
These things happen and need to be corrected from time to time.
And last but not least, our invaluable trees offer us splendid, leafy canopies, beauty and much needed shade.

Tree Care - A healthy and well-groomed tree makes a big difference in the appeal of your landscape. For your tree care needs please call: Berkelhammer Tree Experts Inc.Telephone 303-443-1233, www.berkelhammer.com.