Quenching Advice for Drought Residents

Talk of water conservation has seeded much fodder about the use of native plants in California gardens. The absence of lawns and plants requiring regular watering can reduce water consumption statewide in epic increments. Additionally, a number of species have proven themselves to be fire-preventive, growing in popularity among canyon-dwellers and flatlanders alike.

In response to Governor Schwartzenegger's declaration of statewide drought on Wednesday, Californians might like to consider researching native plants that come in an assortment of flowering varieties, ground covers, succulents, shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals. A great place to begin your search for beautiful California-flourishing water-conserving and fire-resistant garden species is www.bewaterwise.com. There you can read all about the possibilities that lie in "doing the right thing" in support of the state's water concerns. There are color photographs and how-to instructions with all you need to start your own native garden. There is even a hotline you can call to speak with an expert. With all this available at your fingertips, who ever needs to water and prune a rosebush again?