Panhandle Antigone Club Meeting

Each year, our staff visits over 50 schools and attends numerous water festivals and agriculture fairs to deliver presentations on groundwater conservation.  On Monday, March 7, Joy Shadid attended the Antigone Club meeting at the home of Mariah Mills in Panhandle and spoke about efficiently using water in our homes and gardens.  With a dozen ladies in attendance, the presentation included information on xeriscaping and rainwater harvesting. 

Xeriscaping received its name in Denver, Colorado after the Greek word xeros meaning “dry” and refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.  It requires choosing the appropriate plants for the location.   The following are benefits of xeriscape gardening:

·         Lower water bills

·         More water available for other uses and people

·         Less time and work needed for maintenance

·         Little or no lawn mowing

·         Increased habitat for native bees, butterflies and other fauna

Using rainwater harvesting, one can practically eliminate the need to use municipal water for gardening resulting not only in water conservation, but also in substantial savings to your pocketbook. 

Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District created a xeriscape plant guide complete with plant height, spread, watering information and pictures to help area residents plan their summer gardens.  The brochure and a lawn gauge were given as a gift to each member.  Lawn gauges measure the amount of water a yard receives from sprinklers, watering and rainfall.  Most grasses and plants need only 1 inch of water per week to thrive in our climate. 

To ensure that your plants are receiving the greatest benefits from your watering efforts:

·         Water in the early morning or evening to prevent the evaporation of water.

·         Routinely check sprinkler heads to keep their aim over your yard and prevent watering of the sidewalk or street.

·         Avoid watering on windy days.

·         Use a soaker hose to water flowerbeds, shrubs and trees.

Visit your local plant and garden center to pick up your free lawn gauge and plant guide.  If your group is interested in learning more, please call Joy Shadid at (806) 883-2501 to arrange a presentation.