DATE:   8/19/99     
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604
EDITOR: Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

Replacing Plants Lost to Drought

     CLEMSON -- The recent drought has claimed the lives of a
number of landscape plants already. To be ready for similar
conditions next summer, instead of just replacing these plants,
it might be a good idea to follow the principles of xeriscaping
and establish and maintain plants accordingly.
     Proper selection and placement of plants can make an
enormous difference in survival of plants, says Bob Polomski,
Clemson University Extension Service consumer horticulture
specialist. 
     "We have no control over the weather, but using drought
tolerant plants in a concept called xeriscaping can conserve
water while reducing maintenance around homes." 
     Xeriscape means "dry landscape." The term was coined in
Denver. When applied in the Southeast, however, a xeriscape need
not mean cactus and rock gardens. 
     Still, using water efficiently is essential. Polomski says a
well-conceived landscape plan will establish hydrozones. All the
plants within a specific hydrozone will have the same water
requirements and can be watered as a group. 
     Plants that require little or no extra water after they are
established are best for use near buildings. Drier soil cuts down
on mildew problems and moisture damage and discourages insect
pests like termites and roaches, Polomski said.
     "High-moisture plants should be located halfway between the
house and the edge of the property where they can be reached with
a hose," he added. Plants that rarely need supplemental moisture
can be used where a water source is not convenient. 
     Depending on the turfgrass and the will of the homeowner to
keep it green and actively growing during drought periods like
the one we're in, lawns can be heavy users of water. They also
require the most maintenance, according to Polomski.
     If at the end of this summer you want to reduce your lawn
size, replace it with decks and patios, groundcovers and shrub
beds, so you can still have an attractive landscape. 
     Plant selection is not the only principle to consider in
xeriscaping. Improving the soil is important. By adding organic
matter, you improve water and nutrient-holding capacity.
     Mulching with materials like pine straw and bark, wood
chips, composted leaves and even inorganic materials such as
pebbles or plastic can help reduce moisture loss.
     "Xeriscaping is a neat idea for the entire state. It
promotes water conservation, plant survival during periods of 
drought, and saves money," Polomski said. 
     Those interested in more information on xeriscaping and
drought-resistant plants may contact their county's Clemson
Extension office and request a copy of Xeriscape: Water
Conservation in the Southeast. It's available for $4.50 - Bob
Polomski, Extension consumer horticulturist.
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     If you have questions or comments on gardening-related
issues, write to PSA News & Publications, Box 340129, A-101 Poole
Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0129. 
You might also want to look for other "Buds and Blooms"
columns under 1999 News Releases at: www.clemson.edu/agcomm . 
     Also check out Clemson Extension's new Home and Garden
Information Center (HGIC) at: http://hgic.clemson.edu or 
1-888-656-9988. HGIC has information specialists on call 
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for information not 
covered by the recorded messages and fact sheets.
                               END