VARIOUS DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Two examples of xeriscaped properties. Notice
the drip irrigation system on both.
Since most plants in a xeriscaped system don’t
require excessive amounts of water, alternate
forms of irrigation are often utilized. Drip
irrigation can centralize the plants’ water source
and deliver it to the roots.
“You just have to use the right plant at the right
spot,” said Riker.
It is important to note that plants grouped
together based on their specifi c needs thrive
better, and are easier to care for.
A chemical fertilizer used on a typical lawn
can overpower most plants and speed up their
natural growth. This is another cause for extra
trimming that would not occur under natural
circumstances.
Luis Mendoza of Gasparilla Landcape Service,
located in Boca Grande warns against the overuse
of fertilizer.
“A lot of homeowners like to use native plants
because they don’t require fertilizer,” he said.
A natural landscape is especially important for
our island because of the sensitivity many non-
indigenous plants have to a hot, salty climate. If
excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
is used on plants that shouldn’t be here in the
fi rst place, it creates a downward spiral of
unncessary washout that goes straight into the
Gulf. The Gulf is our lifeline; it is something we
need to protect, not pollute.
The fertilizer and pesticides that seep into our
water has caused speculation in recent years as
to whether they could be part of the problem
behind red tide. It would make more sense to
keep Florida natural, because natural plants will
not cause unnatural effects ... and they don’t need
chemicals to thrive.