Ellen Sullivan
The Robson Ranch Garden Club enjoyed a presentation by Morgan Andrade and Hailey Salazar from the City of Denton Water Department. Their subject matter is near and dear to all of us: How can we take care of our yards and plantings, save money, and not overburden the city’s water resources?
Denton is unique in that it holds reserves on some percentages of water in both Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts. Our speakers informed us about ways to keep rates low and avoid water shortages in our area. For instance, in mild weather when there is low demand for irrigation, the city uses about 23 million gallons of water per day. However, in the high irrigation months when yards and outdoor plantings need plenty of water, the demand jumps to 45 million gallons per day. Approximately 70% of this water use is for irrigation.
The presenters informed the Robson Ranch gardeners about several unique ways to cut back on our irrigation demands. The first, and more involved program, involves a “turf buy-back” plan, which is a direct benefit to all concerned. The city will literally pay homeowners for the replacement of their traditional sod with native grasses and plantings. A second plan involves an inspection of the homeowner’s sprinkler system, with advice on how to adjust settings for responsible water use in irrigation.
Another suggestion, already implemented by at least a few Robson Ranch homeowners, is a rain barrel collector. One 50-gallon barrel can be completely filled from the runoff gathered through a downspout during less than one inch of rainfall. Homeowners must be aware that while the rain barrel will not be subject to the ALC fee, it will require adherence to ALC standards, available through the website. The homeowner must submit the applicable form for inspection by the ALC.
At the meeting five members won door prizes, which included books about wildflowers and birds and some donated plant starts. Winners were Lauren Hahn, Lori McCline, Barbara Mury, Suellen Self, and Christy Whaylen.
We continue to ask for donations of egg cartons and berry/produce baskets to be collected for Shiloh Field community garden to further defray their expenses. Bring these items to the meeting each month for collection. For further information or to learn about volunteering possibilities, go to their website at www.shilohfield.com.
Our Jan. 19 meeting will be at the clubhouse, with a Denton Master Gardener speaking.