Welcome to Austin, where we grow rocks! And if you’ve lived here for a while, you know what I mean. Central Texas sits on limestone caliche soils, and water conservation is a constant focus. Between ongoing water restrictions and rapid development, we simply don’t have the water to support landscapes that are thirsty. We are limited to watering once a week. Learning to work with the environment instead of against it is essential.
That said, you can still have a beautiful, lush landscape here, you just need to plant wisely. Our soil isn’t bad; it’s unique, and it supports plants that are well adapted to it. The Texas Hill Country is home to more than 400 endemic plant species that have evolved to thrive in these special soils. That means we have a beautiful plant pallet that is WATER-WISE! Can I get an amen?
The key to conserving water in an Austin summer comes down to four things: planting the right plants, building healthy soil ecology, using quality mulch, and installing the right irrigation tools.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers a wonderful online resource for eco regional native plants. Start by understanding the light conditions in your yard and match the plants accordingly. Shade plants in the shade and sun in the sun. Keep in mind 10am summer sun here can be intense and shade plants will fry!
It’s best to use a species that can handle both sun and shade like Rockrose, Salvia Greggii, Yuccas, Fall Obedient Plant, are all tough, adaptable options. You’ll be surprised at what can handle both! There’ll be trial and error, but eventually you’ll find what thrives in your landscape. These native and adaptive plants require less water and maintenance once established! Plus, the more living ground cover you have, the cooler your landscape stays, retaining more soil moisture.
Now you have your plants it’s time to focus on soil health. Caliche and Limestone may be hard, but they can still absorb and hold water with healthy soil biology. Using MicroLife 6-2-4 multipurpose or Humates Plus is going to be a game changer for you. Within weeks, you’ll see your soil soften soaking up that water like a sponge, allowing water to penetrate instead of completely running off. Plants will deepen in color, roots grow stronger, and you’ll water less!
Next, top off your beds with a quality natural mulch that isn’t painted or chemically treated. The painted mulches don’t decompose and feed soil biology as it should, hardening over time, reducing water penetration. Hardwood, cedar, and pine are all great options.
Finally, use the right irrigation tools. Drip, soakers, or underground irrigation systems. This allows more direct soil contact with minimal evaporation. It’s hot and dry, we don’t need to spray water in the air. It wastes more than you think!
You can install shade cloth to keep your ground cooler and water catchment systems for extra efficiency.
Plant Native, feed soil biology, mulch well, and irrigate wisely! Do that, and you’ll save water so you can enjoy a thriving summer landscape.
Nurseries with Native and Adaptive Perennials in ATX:
Greeensleeves
The Natural Gardener
Hill Country Water Gardens
Tillery Street
Leaf Landscape Supply
The Great Outdoors
Barton Springs Nursery
Round Rock Gardens
Barry Hill Garden Center
