Water and Irrigation
Water and Irrigation
We can have great lawns and gardens and conserve water too. The Wichita area receives 32.62 inches of rainfall annually, but rainfall is not adequate for optimum growth in parts of the year. Approximately 1/2 of all residential water use is on lawns and gardens during summer months. By adopting Xeriscape Principles (low water landscape design and maintenance) we can significantly reduce water applications and still have attractive landscapes. Practices such as core aeration of lawns and working in compost prior to planting will increase the infiltration of both rainfall and irrigation.
Drip irrigation systems are an efficient method of watering landscape beds and gardens. Water is not lost in the wind to evaporation as in overhead
watering systems.
Programs We Offer
Most of our gardening classes include information on appropriate watering practices and water conservation practices for the plants being discussed. We also have offered classes on building and using rain barrels.
On Our Grounds
We use drip irrigation on the majority of our grounds, with the exception of the irrigated fescue around our building. We have functioning rain barrels in both the Demonstration Garden and the Shade Garden. Signage explaining more about rain barrels is located near the Demonstration Garden rain barrels.
Important Links
Maintaining Good Lawns with Less Water
Watering Newly Planted and Young Trees and Shrubs
Watering Established Trees and Shrubs
Watering Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Watering Raised Beds, Berms, Containers and Houseplants