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Five water-saving solutions for Marin gardeners

James Campbell and Ron Filson
Native plants, like this monkey flower or Mimulus, have evolved to thrive in our climate and tend to require less water than exotic plants. Photo: G

Howdy, Marin gardeners! We all love our little patches of paradise, whether it's a veggie garden, a bunch of fragrant herbs, or a bed full of California wildflowers. But let’s face it: water’s as precious as gold here in Marin, and with the way our weather’s been, we’ve got to be smart about how we use it. So, I’m here to share some friendly advice on how you can keep your garden lookin’ lush without sending your water bill through the roof. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
1. Mulch: Your Garden’s Best Friend
  First things first: if you’re not mulching, you’re missing out! Mulch is like a cozy quilt for your garden beds, keeping the soil nice and cool while locking in that precious moisture. The folks at the Marin Master Gardeners say mulch can cut down water evaporation by a whopping 70%. Just make sure you’re using the right kind of mulch—like composted wood chips—and keep it away from your house and wooden structures. Fire-safe gardenin’ is smart gardening!
2. Drip emitters are one of the most water-efficient methods of irrigation. Photo: Linda Varonin
  
  Water When the Sun’s Sleeping
  Timing’s everything, y’all! If you water when the sun’s blazing high in the sky, you’re just wasting a whole lot of good water to evaporation. The smart way to do it, as the experts from UC tell us, is to water early in the morning or later in the evening. That way, your plants get the most out of every drop, and you don’t have to keep refilling that watering can.
3. Plant Native and Thrive
  If you’re looking to save water, one of the best tricks in the book is planting natives. These local beauties are already adapted to Marin’s Mediterranean climate, which means they don’t need as much water to stay happy. Think California poppies, manzanitas, and ceanothus—our very own California lilac. The Marin Master Gardeners will tell ya that when you go native, you’re not just saving water; you’re also making a home for bees, butterflies, and all sorts of critters. It’s like turning your garden into a mini wildlife sanctuary!
4. Drip, Drip, Drip Your Way to Savings
  
  Native plants like Salvia clevelandii or Cleveland sage not only tend to use less water, but they support our local pollinators. Photo: Rosaline Gould
  
  Remember those old-school sprinklers? Well, it’s time to say goodbye to the waste and hello to drip irrigation. This system is like giving your plants a drink straight from the bottle—no splashing, no wasting, just good, efficient watering. The Marin Municipal Water District’s got all sorts of resources to help you get started, includin’ rebates to make the switch easier on your wallet. And once you’ve got it goin’, you can sit back, relax, and listen to that sweet sound of water going right where it’s needed.
5. Catch That Rain!
  We may not get a ton of rain here in Marin, but when we do, you’d better be ready to catch it! Installing a rain barrel is like havin’ a savings account for water—you store it up during the wet season and use it when things get dry. Even a small barrel can save you hundreds of gallons over the year. And don’t worry, these modern rain barrels are designed to keep out mosquitoes and other pests, so you’re all set for safe watering down the road.
Take a Marin Water Walk!

Sign up for a garden walk with the Marin Master Gardeners and get some tips on how to make your garden more water-efficient. Photo: Pam Polite Fisc

Want to see these water-saving tips in action? Well, grab your hat and sign up for a Marin Water Walk! These fun, guided tours, led by experts from the Marin Master Gardeners take you through your garden to show you how you might save more water.

To join a Marin Water Walk, just hop on over to the Marin Master Gardener website https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/ASK_US/GARDENWALKS/ or give ‘em a call. Spots fill up fast, so don’t dilly-dally! It’s a great way to meet other garden-loving folks, get inspired, and learn how to make your garden a water-saving superstar.

So there you have it, neighbors—five tips to keep your garden green and your water usage low. Remember, every drop counts, and with a little care and know-how, you can keep your slice of Marin lookin’ beautiful all year long.