Looking for that perfect water efficient plant?  Be sure to check out our beautiful four-color plant guide. (The guides are also available at each of our events this summer.)

• Intro: Section 1, Section 2
• Broadleaf Trees
• Evergreen and Conifer Trees
• Shrubs
• Perennials
• Ground Covers
• Ornamental Grasses
• Area Demonstration Gardens
• List of Plant Names

Did you know that the greatest waste of water at home is often watering too much, too often? Check out our Sprinkler Systems 101 for some tips that will help you stay green while saving green.

Ever wonder just how much water your lawn and other plants need each week? From March - October, the Consortium publishes a weekly watering number each Thursday. 

 

Different plants need different amounts of water, sun and shade to survive. Some microclimates of your yard are probably hot­ter and drier, or wetter and cooler, than others. In addition to your yard’s microclimates, look at creating watering zones within your landscape.

Inside each watering zone, all of the plants should have the same general watering needs, allowing you to give each plant the water it requires — not too much or too little. Watering zones help you avoid wasting water while helping to reduce the time and effort needed to maintain your garden.

The Willamette Valley, including the Portland metro area, is rated a zone 6. Plants rated for zone 6 are hardy enough to survive winter temperatures as low as 1 to –10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants rated a zone 8 or lower can also be planted in our area. A zone 8 rating means that plants are hardy enough to survive low temperatures, ranging from 29 to 13 degrees. In colder weather, these plants will need to be covered with mulch to protect the roots.

If you’re not sure what kind of plants you want in your garden, the following information about native plants, peren­nials and ornamental grasses will get you started with choosing the right plant for the right place.

You may want to consider native plants, which provide habitat for local wildlife and enhance the native character of the Pacific Northwest. Once established, native and adapted plants are very low maintenance, require little to no pesticides or fertilizers, and survive well on available water.

Perennials are plants that come back year after year without replanting. There are many different perennials to choose from that can be grown in a variety of microclimates. Once established, these plants require little supplemental water and maintenance. For the first year or two, you will need to water these plants more than you will once they are established. Visit your local nursery to find out about plants that would be suitable for your needs.

Ornamental grasses are also lovely in the garden, and add texture to any landscape. Most are drought-toler­ant and ideal for water-efficient landscapes. You can group them with trees, shrubs and other perennials to recreate or imitate a natural grassland. They also make good groundcover or background plants. They can soften hardscapes such as sidewalks and retaining walls, and provide privacy and wind protection. Grasses can grow in wet soils or dry soils, in full sun or part shade.

For more information, view the plant tips on our outdoor Conservation Tips page, and read our 7 Basic Steps for Creating Water Efficient Landscapes (PDF) brochure. Your local garden centers, nurseries and landscape contractors are also good resources to help you find ways to improve the health of your landscape while using less water.

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