Will drought restrict plant offerings? In November 2002, Society of American Florists conducted a national consumer survey to determine the impact last summer's drought had on the public's perception of plant performance. The survey found that about 18 percent of consumers were not as happy with the performance of their plants as they had been in the past. The most common reasons for their displeasure were the weather (71 percent), water restrictions (37 percent) and plant quality (28 percent). You should expect weather and water restrictions to have an increasing impact on the types of ornamentals growers are allowed to produce and what types of plants consumers purchase. As more cities try to deal with drought conditions, urban sprawl, inadequate water supplies and outdated water-treatment facilities, all segments of the horticulture industry will be affected. Some cities, including El Paso, Texas, and Las Vegas, are offering citizens financial incentives to rip out the turf in their yards and replace it with more water-efficient plants. Southern Nevada Water Authority has doubled the rebate it is offering its customers to tear out their turf. Homeowners and commercial property owners can receive $1 per square foot of grass that they convert to xeriscape landscaping. The maximum rebate for homeowners is $50,000, and $300,000 for businesses. SNWA says the switch from grass to drought-resistant plants could save as much as 55 gallons per square foot over grass. Of the more than 70 plants approved by SNWA, there aren't any of the common bedding plants most growers and consumers are familiar with. Although annual color is listed to "vary by season," no specific plant recommendations are made. El Paso Water Utilities' rebate program also provides for homeowners and commercial customers to receive $1 per square foot of turf that is replaced with water-conserving landscapes. EPWU in collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation, New Mexico State University and Texas A&M University compiled a list of more than 400 plants along with planting techniques and other tips on a CD that is available to the public. Identifying best-adapted plants Marilyn Good of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association and president of the WaterWise Council of Texas said growers need to become more politically involved with what is happening in their own communities, especially when it comes to water-related issues. Growers should be monitoring what topics their city councils are discussing and the types of ordinances they are proposing. If communities continue to restrict the types of plants and limit the size of the plantings, this could have a major impact on the horticulture industry. Good points out that if growers are pressured to produce 20 percent of the water-efficient plants that make up 80 percent of the market, the horticulture industry will have a hard time preventing its product from becoming a commodity. Growers who want to stay in business will be forced to produce what the local water boards and utilities consider to be water-efficient plants. Good said more research has to be done to determine which ornamental plants are best adapted for the climates in which they are grown. She said the research data is lacking related to just how much water ornamental plants need to survive in a landscape. Good said the mantra of the WaterWise Council is, "Plants don't waste water, people do." She advises growers to look for low water-use plants and more importantly they have to contribute to the research that quantifies plant water use. One of the best way that growers can determine which plants are adapted for their specific markets is to visit outdoor trials near them. Good also suggested that growers look at the various state programs, like Texas Superstars, which select plants that have proven adaptable to local weather conditions For more: Marilyn Good, TNLA, 7730 S. IH 35, Austin, TX 78745; (800) 880-0343; fax (512) 280-3012; mgood@txnla.org; www.waterwisetexas.org. Send this article to a friend Enter your e-mail address: Enter your friend's e-mail address: Click the image below to send: © 2002 Branch-Smith Publishing