Canon City Xeriscape Demo Final Report

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. much unsuitable soils as possible, Soils were hauled in from other sources near the site and amended with well decomposed manure. Planter areas were mounded to provide a berm affect. The entire project site was tilled as deep as possible on several occasions just prior to planting, The next important key to a successful xeriscape project is irrigation design and installation, The irrigation system that was installed is designed to segregate the various types of water consumption needs into specific areas. Thirty separate zones were established to provide measured water applications at rates that are conducive to supporting specific plant needs, A computerized controller accurately applies the water at intervals which saves water. Drip emitters and micro-sprayers were installed at locations in the perennial and shrub planters to meet the needs of the different plant groupings. High water consumption plants are watered with pop- up sprayers. Low water consumption plants are watered with drip emitters or micro sprayers. All native grasses and traditional turf areas are watered with pop-up sprayers. Two species of native grass (Buffalo and Blue Grama) were planted adjacent to each other. A mix of Buffalo grass and Blue Grama grass were planted in a third area. Traditional grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, a tall fescue blend called Triathalawn, and Ephriam crested wheatgrass were planted in separate areas. Several planting beds were established to demonstrate how different types of shrubs and perennials can be grouped to reduce water consumption and still provide colorful foliage. All of the planting beds were heavily tilled and compost was added, Part of the beds were covered with . a geotextile fabric before 2" of cedar wood chips were applied. Several varieties of trees were picked based on their adaptability to the site conditions. Trees which are somewhat drought tolerant were planted in the native grass areas. WATER APPLICATION INFORMATION The goal of the Police Department Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Project is to reduce water consumption for landscaping purposes. The comparison of water consumption between a similar size traditionally landscaped public park (comprised of Kentucky Bluegrass, trees and shrubs) and the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden shows how water consumption is reduced. Txpe oflandscape Square footage Water consumption Established park 22,500 sq. Ft. 209,000 gallons (May/June) 281,000 gallons (June/July) 179,000 gallons (July/Aug) Xeriscapelandscape 21,600 sq, Ft. (grow-in) 161,000 gallons (May/June) 89,000 gallons (June/July) (reseed and grow-in) 100,000 gallons (July/ Aug) . 3