Crevice gardening and plant experimentation take center stage in Mark’s waterwise yard.
Happy October, everyone! You might be wondering, “Garrett, how are you going to feature waterwise yards for the blog throughout the winter?” Great question, reader! Luckily, I was able to meet with so many amazing participants this summer that I’m able to bring you new stories, yards, and photos until I can get back in the field next spring.
One such participant is Mark. His waterwise journey started with a Garden In A Box kit and has continued with our Lawn Replacement program’s DIY removal option, both programs discounted for him thanks to our partnership with his water provider, Willows Water District. Mark’s yard is an impressive sight. From that first Garden In A Box kit planted near the front door, the xeric garden now covers most of his sizable corner lot’s front yard!
Take a look around the garden, and you’ll notice something interesting. Many plants are grouped around large rocks. It’s not just that he’s a geologist and all-around rock aficionado. He tells me that he’s a big fan of crevice gardening and recommends it to anyone taking on a garden project. “I noticed that perennials that survived the best were planted next to a rock, and wondered why that was.”
He learned that intentionally-placed rocks can support growth for the plants around them by promoting condensation and water collection (among other benefits! See this Arapahoe County CSU Extension article for more). “It’s worked out incredibly well. I’ve actually started ‘planting’ rocks next to plants in the backyard.”
While he started with a plan from a landscape designer, Mark’s yard is always changing. “I like to be outside, so I’m either hiking, biking, or out here in the garden. If you come back next year, it will have evolved. I’m a big mover of plants!”
Some of them start as late summer purchases that he overwinters, others are grown from seed, and many are “volunteers” – offshoots from existing plants that he’s replanted. “From a natural selection viewpoint, they’ve passed the test of survival. They tend to be happy and resilient,” he explains.
Water conservation was a big motivator for Mark’s decision to replace the yard. He recalled, “When I first moved here forty years ago, there was real concern about water in the Front Range even then.” The switch to a waterwise garden proved to be a great choice with this in mind. He tells me that he tracked a nearly 30,000-gallon drop in water use in June and July this year, compared to last, for his large, sunny, south-facing yard!
The cost savings are a bonus, and something he considered when thinking about eventually selling the house to a young homeowner. “Even aside from the environmental issues, the bluegrass yard was a huge expense,” Mark told me.
Mark is hoping his neighbors and homeowners across the state reconsider their water use and start removing more of their traditional grass lawns, too. “It just feels a little irresponsible to keep a bluegrass lawn. I’m trying to be a good neighbor and a good example for people.”
As always, thanks for tuning in! ‘Til next time.
-Garrett
At Resource Central, we believe that we can build a resilient and waterwise Colorado together through local action on a massive scale.
The individuals featured in this blog series are only snapshots of the work that’s being done by so many Coloradans to work toward that goal. So, whether you’re just starting to improve your water efficiency, are a seasoned low-water gardener, or are reading this blog and learning about waterwise gardening for the first time, thank you for joining us in creating a more waterwise future.
Are you interested in sharing your story or know of someone who would be great to feature? Email me with details!
And don’t forget! You can always find more inspiring stories using the Waterwise Communities tag on our blog page!
