How can we conserve water while maintaining healthy, attractive gardens, no matter what climate you're in? Record-breaking heat waves, devastating droughts, wildfires scorching millions of acres, floods turning streets into rivers—we've seen it all this year. As climate extremes test our resilience, our gardens are feeling the impact too. How do we ensure our gardens not only survive but also grow in these unpredictable conditions?

In this episode, let’s talk about water-saving techniques and strategies to keep your garden lush and sustainable with  Noelle Johnson, aka the “Arizona plant lady.” She’s a horticulturist, landscape consultant, and the author of the new book, ‘The Water-Smart Garden.’

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:53] How Noelle became a plant expert
• [04:36] Why water conservation is important
• [07:27] What does water conservation look like?
• [08:27] Identifying drought conditions
• [09:56] Water-saving tips for renters
• [10:49] What are the plants great for different plant zones?
• [13:43] How to choose drought-tolerant Plants
• [15:28] Support a sustainable future for your garden and planet with Espoma Organics’ premium gardening products!
• [16:58] Create the low-maintenance perennial garden of your dreams with ​​AHS Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening!
• [18:52] Why you should go to a local nursery
• [20:34]  How do you make soil more efficient at water retention?
• [23:32] How do mulch and ground cover help with water retention?
• [26:36] What are ollas for water saving?
• [30:46]  What are different ways of capturing rainwater? (rain barrel, swale, creek beds, etc)
• [36:32] What is xeriscaping?
• [40:33]  How can you reduce the water your lawn needs?
• [44:14] Smart irrigation controllers
• [45:30] Beginner tips for water conservation
• [47:20] Advanced water conservation strategies
• [49:14] Get Noelle’s new book,  ’The Water Smart Garden’

 

 

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The Water Crisis in Our Own Backyards

Would you believe that 30% to 70% of your household water use goes to watering your plants outside? This statistic varies dramatically based on location—if you're in an area with plenty of rainfall, you might be on the lower end, but head west, and that percentage climbs significantly.

Noelle shares her story: “I moved to Arizona from California, and I was very excited to plant a garden… six months later, everything was dead. Even the beautiful rose bushes that my garden had come with, I managed to kill them while keeping them alive.”

 

Choosing the Right Water-Saving Plants

Noelle explains that plants are made up of approximately 95% water. During the day, when the sun comes out, plants lose water through the surface of their leaves. So when it comes to selecting drought-tolerant plants, you have to be more selective.

Look for plants with:

Smaller leaves (less surface area for water loss)

A grayish cast (indicating tiny protective hairs that act like sunscreen)

Native or climate-adapted characteristics

Don't just go to a big box store because there are certain types of plants they put out there as eye candy, but some are not suitable for that particular climate.

 

The Soil Secret

Soil is our biggest bank, meaning it's the best place to store moisture. She shares a simple test to understand your soil type:

1. Dig a hole one foot deep and wide
2. Fill it with water and let it drain
3. Fill it again and time the drainage:

• • 3 hours = sandy soil
  • 12 hours = clay soil

Now, the best way (and solution) to improve the texture and water-holding capabilities of your soil is compost. Mix one-third compost with two-thirds existing soil for optimal results. For sandy soil, it allows it to hold on, keeping the water there a little bit longer. And for clay soil, it's going to allow the water to drain and permeate more effectively.

 

Getting Creative with Water Conservation

One of the most intriguing techniques discussed is the use of ollas (pronounced “oya”). “This is an example of an ancient practice that still works to this day. These clay vessels are buried in the ground, filled with water, and slowly release moisture directly to plant roots.

“You can make your own,” Noelle shares. It's two terracotta pots. It's the simplest thing to use. Cost only around 2-3 bucks.

 

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping, from the Greek word for “dry landscape,” isn't about creating a barren wasteland—it's about smart design that maximizes water efficiency while maintaining beauty.

The strategy involves strategic grouping of plants based on their water needs—a concept called hydrozoning. If you have some plants that need a lot of water, put them together so they can all share of that water. If you have plants that are more drought tolerant, put them in their own section.

A successful xeriscape also incorporates efficient irrigation practices, typically using drip systems for trees, shrubs, and ground covers. The approach also calls for seasonal adjustments to watering schedules—a detail many gardeners overlook. This comprehensive system, when properly implemented, can reduce outdoor water usage by 50-75% while still maintaining a lush, vibrant landscape.

 

The Lawn Debate

Lawns consume the most water outdoors in the country, and instead of encouraging complete removal (though you can do that), Noelle offers smart management techniques.

Let your lawn grow to about three inches tall. That shades the roots of your lawn. So less water is lost.

She also emphasizes the importance of proper watering depth: “You want to water to a depth of six to eight inches each time. Most people water their lawn too frequently and not deeply enough.”

 

Baby Steps to Water Conservation

Noelle offers two simple starting points:

Allow your plants to grow to their natural size. Avoid pruning things too much. Every time you prune plants, that stimulates new growth and the plants are going to need more water.

If you don't have a drip irrigation system, you can get a soaker hose. You could wrap it around your plants or your trees that need some extra water and it slowly weeps out water.

 

Looking to the Future

As our climate continues to change, these water-smart techniques aren't just good practice—they're becoming important for garden survival. Creating a water-efficient garden doesn't mean sacrificing beauty, but is about working smarter, not harder, and understanding how to make the most of every drop.

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Gardening Books by Noelle Johnson
• Drought.gov
• Growing Joy Episode 253: 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates with Janey of Dig Plant Water Repeat
• TruDrop self-watering planters – Crescent Garden

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

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Quarto: American Horticultural Society Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening

If you've been interested in learning how to plan, plant, and tend to low-maintenance perennial plantings, American Horticultural Society's Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening is the perfect way to get started! Whether you grow in full sun or a shady corner, in a small space or a large landscape, the insight and guidance offered by the experts at AHS ensure that you will have a thriving, bloom-filled garden. The book contains garden design strategies, advice on picking plants, and over 150 plant profiles with photos and care advice.

Grab a copy of Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Quarto.com, or Amazon.com.

 

 

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