Pretty good question, right? Things like not running the sprinklers in the rain, turning off the water while brushing teeth, sweeping the driveway and sidewalk instead of hosing them off, shortening shower time, and not washing dishes under running water are all great ways to save water. Most of us have been educated to do these things. But, what else is there?

Let's start outside in the yard.

What kind of grass is in the yard? If it is St. Augustine, Centipede, fescue, or a hybrid Bermuda, you aren't saving much water. In fact, you could be using up to twice as much water, as compared to the neighbor down the street who has common of coastal Bermuda If you are growing buffalo or grama type grasses, you are saving even more water! Beside that, those same grasses that are thirsty are also prone to disease and do not do well during the stresses of the weather extremes here in our part of Texas.

Another way to save water in the yard is through use of a good landscape plan that follows sound xeriscape landscaping principles. A properly managed, well maintained xeriscape landscape is beautiful, water conserving, and easy to manage. xeriscape does not mean rocks and cactus. There are many different options for plantings and looks within a well xeriscaped yard. Be sure to review the local ordinances concerning xeri-scaping before a full scale re-design is undertaken. Several great web sites are available for review and advice. The City of Corinth has xeriscaping information on the City web site, www.cityofcorinth.com, including a complete copy of the local ordinance governing xeriscape. Texas A&M University has information at http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu. Our web site here at keepcorinthbeautiful.com will have a good planting guide of things that grow well here and can be found locally. Check back with us often for updates!

All of these sources will mention compost and mulch. Just what are these two things and where are they available? Most garden centers have some form of compost. The best compost is one that will lighten the soil and make it more water absorbent. Dry sphagnum peat is a great soil amendment for our area. It makes the soil much lighter and water efficient. It's one drawback is expense. So what can be done about that? How about making your own compost! Several guides are available on just how to make your own compost. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has a great one. It can be found on line at the TCEQ's web site, www.tceq.state.tx.us .The best way to describe home made compost is that it is "sweet smelling earth". All kinds of yard waste can be composted, including grass clippings and leaves. All it takes is a small space in the corner of the yard and patience. Before long, you will be asking all the neighbors for yard clippings and really be cooking!

Mulch is anyone of several ground covers and top dressings. Mulch is designed to help keep the water in the soil. It also helps regulate the heat loss in winter and can be used to protect tender plants from the cold. Good mulches should be heavy enough to stay in place, but porous enough to allow water and nutrients through to the plant roots. One very popular mulch is ground tree bark. It comes in several colors and styles and can be used just about anywhere. It does float, so be mindful of where it goes after a heavy rain. The City of Denton sells several reclaimed mulch products at the Denton City Landfill. Visit the City of Denton web site at www.cityofdenton.com for more information on the Dyno-dirt products.

The yard is done. Now how about the inside of the house. The next article will tackle things like water efficient fixtures, gray water, and other things that can be done to make every home a truly water efficient, conservation minded household.

Keep up the good work, Corinth!