Fresno Resident Finds Water Conservation Is Family-Friendly
Laura Whitehouse’s introduction to landscape water conservation dates back to March 2009, when she and fellow Utility Advisory Committee appointees were briefed on Fresno’s new state-mandated metering program. “For years we were able to use as much water as we wanted,” says Whitehouse. “But when you put a price tag on something, people pay attention.” The program is due to roll out over the next three years.
The water conservation supervisor for the City of Fresno, Nora Laikam, asked Whitehouse and her family to serve as a “demo” household in water conservation. Excited for the opportunity, they began collaborating with a city water conservation advisor whose services were provided at no cost.
Landscape conservation specialist Leslie Feathers and her team were dispatched to review the Whitehouse household. First, they conducted interior leak surveys in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Then they turned their attention to the conventional lawn setup with traditional sprinkler irrigation.
Feathers interviewed the family about their likes and dislikes. Her first recommendation was to eliminate the lawn and reduce the number of tall trees in the back yard. She also suggested replacing the water-guzzling shrubs with native plants better suited to Fresno’s dry conditions.
With the Whitehouses’ stipulation that re-landscaping costs be kept under $1,000 and that the new design be attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, they proceeded with the makeover.
To keep costs low Laura recruited her husband Scott and their three children to do all but the heaviest lifting. A tree surgeon was called in to take down and remove a 40-foot liquid amber tree.
“Everyone had a role,” recalls Feathers, “pruning, digging, rototilling, carrying discarded materials away. They were an enthusiastic labor force,” she says approvingly.
Tree and plant substitutes included crape myrtles and desert willows, emu bushes, Spanish lavender, Russian sage, Texas ranger, bearded iris and moonshine yarrow. Some of these were purchased at nurseries; others were obtained free in a Fresno plant-exchange program.
The sprinkler system was replaced with drip irrigation, which, says Feathers, allows for more pointed delivery. “Water is slowly emitted at the plant base, which gives clay soil time to absorb moisture and create a deeper water profile for new plants. Roots embed themselves deeper in the soil and become more stable — and sustainable.”
“I’ve always thought drought-tolerant landscaping meant crazy, desert-like yards filled with stones, cactus and tumbleweeds,” says Whitehouse. “But these plants are so fragrant and beautiful. It’s a delight to look out my back window. It’s become an oasis.”
The project has brought the entire Whitehouse family together. “The message of water conservation is permeating our home,” says Whitehouse. “My husband and I have collaborated on raising our family, but never before like this. We’re having great fun.”