The Revised Edition of Lush & Efficient is now available for download on the Conservation page.

Coachella Valley Water District

Lush and Efficient: A guide to Coachella Valley landscaping

Yucca whippii (white flowers) Leucophyllum frutescens (lower left) Photo by Robert Keeran - CVWD Public Information Associate

By: Eric A. Johnson, Desert Landscape Specialist

David G. Harbison, CVWD Water Management Specialist

Edited by: Dennis C. Mahr, CVWD Communication and Legislative Director

Photography by: Robert Keeran, CVWD Public Information Associate

Eric Johnson

Published to promote wise water use as a public service by

Coachella Valley Water District

Tellis Codekas, president
Raymond R. Rummonds, vice president
Ted Fish, Dorothy Nichols & Jack McFadden, directors
Tom Levy, general manager - chief engineer

Second Edition - November 1995
Copyright © 1988, 1995, Coachella Valley Water District, P.O. Box 1058, Coachella, CA 92236

Home

Table of Contents

• Desert gardens can be lush and efficient
• Alternatives for varied lifestyles
• Proper landscapes save energy costs

• Weather, soils vary water needs
• Science improves irrigation efficiency
• Train plants to be efficient
• Micro systems save water & labor
• Charts to assist in preparing a tree and shrub watering plan
• CV lawn water needs change monthly
• Plan irrigation system with care
• Look for equipment features
• Use existing pipe in drip system retrofits
• System care vital to landscaping

• Timing important to success
• Group plants by their needs
• Choose plant carefully for success
• Follow steps to planting success
• Mulch to cool soil, hold moisture

• Desert aspects require attention
• Know symptoms to fight pests
• Pruning rules help health & looks
• Study before tackling weed control
• Use fertilizer right to feed plants
• Some old gardens need facelifts

• Annuals perk up seasons
• Wildflowers need ample sun
• Cacti, other accents add interest
• Coniferous plants like desert
• Ornamental grass adds accent
• Ground covers solve problems
• Palms provide towering accents
• Perennials offer long lived color
• Desert shrubs aren't thirsty
• Non-native shrubs have needs
• Trees provide cooling, personality
• Vines provide color & cooling

• Thirsty roses are beautiful showoffs
• Small lawns valuable landscape items
• Citrus offer foliage, fruit & fragrance
• Garden fruits & veggies taste better
• Desert challenges deciduous fruit

• Small gardens for mobile homes
• Create habitat to invite wildlife
• Hedges help control climate
• Landscaping pools & patios
• Containers offer instant gardens
• Dry creek gives drainage, interest

• Botanic gardens offer ideas for home

Home

For inquiries or comments regarding this website please contact the webmaster at:

jruiz@cvwd.org

For all other inquiries or comments please contact:

Coachella Valley Water District
P.O. Box 1058
Coachella, CA
(760) 398-2651
(760) 398-3711 (FAX)