DIY Network

Plants and Irrigation Systems Maureen Gilmer adds plants chosen for their color; then she shares tips on choosing and installing an irrigation system. From "Weekend Gardening" episode WKG-403

Nine hours has been spent enhancing the overall look of this driveway entrance; now it's time to line the area with bold color. The next step will be the addition of an irrigation system.

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Time spent so far: 9 hours.

The plants used to add color to the landscape include the following:

• Otto Quast Spanish lavender (Lavandula Stoechas 'Otto Quast') is used in the bed because of its drought tolerance. Of the three types of lavender (English, French and Spanish), Spanish is the most tolerant of dry soil conditions.

• Ivana® Princess Lilies® (Alstroemeria X 'Starpivane') will grow into a vibrant mound of blooms; each bloom is enhanced with a yellow throat (figure A).

• Sierra San Antonio autumn sage (Salvia Gregii X 'Sierra San Antonio)

• Navajo Salmon Red autumn sage (Salvia X Navajo Salmon Red)

• Yellow Tulip African daisy (Osteospermum X 'Yellow Tulip') has a white face with golden-yellow back petals (figure B)

• Santa Barbara Mexican bush sage (Salvia Leucantha 'Santa Barbara') is heat tolerant and grows quickly into a large bush, helping to camouflage the gas meter. As an added bonus, its deep-purple blooms are very attractive to hummingbirds (figure C).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

Figure D

How much water a plant receives influences the development of the plant's root system. Light watering produces shallow root systems; deep watering produces deep roots. Because traditional sprinkler systems can make this type of garden much less water efficient, Maureen uses a low-pressure drip system with a timer to control water delivery to the patio (figure D).

1. Most city water delivery lines deliver water at 60 to 80 pounds PSI (per square inch), which is too strong for a drip system. By installing a pressure reducer to the bottom of the timer, the water pressure can be adjusted to a level correct for each system. This system also has a filter to trap minerals and particles that could clog the lines.

2. The main supply lines, made of 1/2" plastic tubing, are laid out and secured with metal pins.

3. Small lateral lines, which supply water directly to the plants, are attached to the main line. They are measured to fit from the plants to the main line.

4. A punching tool is used to punch holes in the main line, and plastic couplers attach the lateral lines to the holes in the main line.

5. The other end of the lateral line is attached to a micro spray head or a drip emitter, depending on the system, and inserted into the ground close to the plants.

Plants spotted in

After planting

Time spent: 3 hours.

Time spent so far: 12 hours.

RESOURCES :

Ace Hardware Supplies
To locate the nearest Ace Hardware to your home, click here.
Ace Hardware
2200 Kensington Ct.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2100
Toll-free: 866-290-5334
Website: www.acehardware.com

Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com

DeWalt power tools
DeWalt
Website: www.dewalt.com/us/core/

Landscaping Services by D&J Landscaping
D & J Landscaping
E-mail: DJLandscaping@sbcglobal.net

Plants from Hines Horticulture
Website: www.hineshort.com

Soil Amendments
Soil amendments
Whitney Farms
Website: www.whitneyfarms.com

Metal giraffe
La Placita
310-350-7161
Contact: Sal Perez