The relentless heat and drought in Colorado have sparked a much-needed conversation about sustainable landscaping practices. As homeowners grapple with the challenges of maintaining lush green lawns, it's time to explore innovative solutions that not only conserve water but also create thriving ecosystems in our backyards. Personally, I believe this shift towards drought-tolerant landscaping is a fascinating and necessary step towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.
The Drought Dilemma
Colorado's record-breaking July temperatures have left many turf grasses struggling to survive. This provides an opportunity to rethink our lawn spaces and transform them into water-wise, pollinator-friendly havens. By strategically reducing grass lawn areas and opting for drought-tolerant alternatives, we can make a significant impact on water conservation efforts.
Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Before diving into any lawn renovation, it's crucial to understand the rules and regulations set by homeowners associations. These guidelines often dictate the percentage of grass lawn required and specific plant choices. Additionally, exploring rebate programs, like the City of Fort Collins' Xeriscape Incentive Program, can help offset the costs of lawn replacement.
When considering which areas to target for replacement, think about high-traffic zones where grass is essential, and smaller, less-used areas like side yards, slopes, or deep shade where drought-tolerant plants can thrive.
Step 2: Removing Grass
There are several methods to remove grass, each with its pros and cons. Chemicals like glyphosate-based herbicides offer a quick and cost-effective solution, but their environmental impact should not be overlooked. Sod cutters provide a faster method for smaller to medium-sized areas, but they require rental and labor-intensive work. Solarization and sheet mulching are slower processes suitable for small areas, and while they are inexpensive and require minimal labor, they may not completely eradicate perennial weeds.
Step 3: Soil Preparation and Irrigation
Even with drought-tolerant plants, it's beneficial to add soil amendments to improve drainage. However, most of these plants thrive in leaner soils similar to Colorado's natural conditions. Installing a drip irrigation system is highly recommended to establish these plants, and it provides a backup water source during severe droughts.
Step 4: Choosing Mulch and Designing with Purpose
Mulch plays a crucial role in water conservation and adds visual interest to your landscape. Common options include wood mulch, landscape rock, and pine needles. Drought-tolerant plants prefer rock mulch for its superior drainage. When designing your space, consider combining different types of mulch, incorporating large rocks or stepping stones, and creating meandering dry creek beds to add texture and beauty.
Adding Color and Attracting Pollinators
Transforming your lawn into a vibrant, pollinator-friendly haven is an art. Start by assessing the sun exposure of the renovated area and choose plants accordingly. Opt for a succession of blooms from early to late season to ensure a continuous display of color. Plant in groups and layers to replicate nature's beauty. If space allows, establish a basic structure with trees and shrubs, then add perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers. Even without trees and shrubs, you can still create an inviting space with perennials and groundcovers.
Plant Recommendations for a Pollinator Paradise
When selecting plants, it's best to choose native species whenever possible. Here's a list of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to attract and feed pollinators:
Early Season
- Pawnee Buttes Sandcherry
- Prairie Winecups
- Sulphur Flower
- Wallflower
- Rocky Mountain and Firecracker Penstemons
- Nodding Onion
- Yarrow
- Blue Flax
- Golden Currant
- Serviceberry
- Flowering Fruit Trees (apples, cherries, peaches, plums)
Midseason
- Missouri Evening Primrose
- Columbine
- Hummingbird Trumpet
- Harebells
- Blanket Flower
- May Night Salvia
- Coneflower
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Asters
- Showy Milkweed
- Native Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)
- Flowering Trees (willows, black locust, linden, honey locust)
Late Season
- Autumn Joy Sedum
- Goldenrod
- Hyssop
- Plains Coreopsis
- Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
- Common Sunflower
- Rabbitbrush
- Chokecherry
- Boulder Raspberry
Resources for Your Pollinator Garden Journey
For further guidance and inspiration, explore the resources provided by CSU Extension, Resource Central, High Plains Environmental Center, Colorado Native Plant Society, and Plant Select. These organizations offer valuable insights and low-water landscape design ideas to help you create a thriving pollinator habitat.
In conclusion, the current drought conditions in Colorado present an opportunity to rethink our relationship with water-intensive lawns. By embracing drought-tolerant landscaping and creating pollinator-friendly spaces, we can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. It's an exciting journey, and I encourage everyone to explore these options and make a positive impact on our environment.
