Landscape experts ask Colorado to "embrace the beige" for drought adaptation
6 hours ago
- #drought tips
- #water conservation
- #landscaping
- Experts urge Colorado homeowners to accept temporary brown lawns during drought, using the phrase 'embrace the beige' to encourage water-saving mindset changes.
- For existing lawns, install electronic irrigation controllers with EPA WaterSense approval to optimize watering based on weather, and consider hiring a certified auditor for efficiency checks.
- Avoid inefficient hose watering; use hose timers, especially Wi-Fi models for accessibility, to prevent waste.
- Move beyond outdated xeriscaping; adopt 'Coloradoscaping' with native plants for vibrant, low-water landscapes, instead of gravel.
- Use local garden centers, botanic gardens, and 'Garden in a Box' programs for affordable, region-specific landscape planning and discounts.
- Focus on improving irrigation efficiency from 50% to 70% for immediate water savings, without demonizing lawns that serve aesthetic or community functions.