City of Bozeman 路 Water Conservation Division
WATER SMART PLANTING GUIDE for the Bozeman Area 路 Tips 路 Rebate Info 路 Plant Lists
Plant smart to save water. Spring/Summer 2018 www.bozemanwater.com
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Water in Bozeman
Eighty percent of the City of Bozeman water supply comes from snowmelt in the Gallatin Range which feeds Hyalite Reservoir (above) and Sourdough Creek. The other twenty percent comes from a developed spring in the Bridger Range northeast of Bozeman. For more information about where the City of Bozeman's water comes from, see page 4 of this guide.
Natural beauty isn’t hard to find here in Bozeman. Whether you’re walking your kids to school, exploring our parks and trail systems, or headed to the surrounding rivers and mountains, it’s easy to see we’ve got a good thing going. What’s not so easy to see is that Bozeman's water resources are the foundation of the area's natural beauty. Our water is pure from the source, but is limited, and with 50% of household water in the summer going to our yards, the best place to help save water is right outside your door. Maybe you already have a green thumb. Or maybe you just bought your first home and have no idea what to do with that patch of land, suddenly yours to tend. Either way, this guide will help you maximize your water smarts and Bozeman's water resources.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Water in Bozeman . . . . . . . . . . 2 Water Smarter . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lawn & Landscape . . . . . . . . . 10 Plant Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Dig into this guide. Your yard, your wallet, and your thumb will thank you.
www.bozemanwater.com
2 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Water in Bozeman
We're Doing Our Part The City of Bozeman is leading by example with these Water Smart efforts: CITY HALL’S WATER SMART GARDEN The City of Bozeman is inspiring change with drought-tolerant plants and innovative stormwater treatment, right in front of City Hall. Once established, the drought-tolerant plants in the Water Smart Garden will live off naturally-occurring precipitation, while the water smart plants will only need occasional supplemental watering. To find out more about these plants, see our plant guide beginning on page 14. And these little beauties are teaching us a lesson, too. We’re watching our water and comparing results year-to-year so we’ll know how much water it takes to keep these low-maintenance plants kicking, from establishment phase to firmly rooted. (And we can’t wait to see how well they stack up to thirsty turf grass.) Even our concrete paves a better way. Our permeable pavers in front of City Hall—a coordinated effort between Bozeman’s Water Conservation and Stormwater Divisions— allow water to move downward into the ground instead of toward the edges of the hardscape. The interlocking grid guides stormwater through the spaces between them, helping filter pollutants while reducing runoff. NORTH 7TH MEDIAN Bozeman is on the road to a water smart future. The City of Bozeman has installed drought-tolerant perennials and grasses in the medians on North 7th Ave. between Aspen and Villard. These medians not only add a splash of color to your commute, they also use 80% less water than turf grass medians.
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Water in Bozeman
Water in Bozeman: The Big Picture
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Perched at the headwaters of the Missouri River Basin, Bozeman enjoys extremely high-quality water, almost straight from the source. Although our water is high quality, quantity is limited. With only 16 inches of average precipitation annually, Bozeman’s considered semi-arid and drought-prone.
Bozeman relies on snowpack for its water supply. 80% of our city’s water comes from snowmelt in the Gallatin Range which feeds Sourdough Creek and Hyalite Reservoir. The other 20% comes from a developed spring at the headwaters of Lyman Creek.
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But, with shifting climate patterns, our water supplies are likely to become less reliable. In the future, more moisture is expected to arrive as rain instead of snow. On top of that, warmer temperatures will lead to earlier peak flows and drier summers.
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Plus, Bozeman is booming, growing at a rate far above the national average. More people will need more water, and eventually, these supplies won’t be enough. In fact, Bozeman could be facing a water shortage in the next 20 years. The City of Bozeman has identified water conservation as the single largest source of water for Bozeman’s future.
Water conservation creates additional supplies by reducing water used in and around homes and businesses.
It’s the cheapest, most expedient and environmentally friendly way to thrive through drought, and to ensure a reliable water supply for the future.
4 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Water in Bozeman
What About Drought? So how could a drought event affect Bozeman’s residents? A drought event can occur when we have below normal water supplies, such as stream flows, groundwater, snowpack, and reservoir levels, that result from a prolonged reduction in precipitation. Reduced water supplies can impact quality of life for members of Bozeman’s community. Due to our location at the headwaters of the Missouri River, our limited average precipitation and shifting climate patterns, Bozeman is susceptible to drought. WE HAVE A PLAN. The City of Bozeman has a Drought Management Plan that includes a framework to monitor for drought conditions, defined stages of drought, and recommended actions to be taken at each stage when water supplies are limited. When a drought stage is declared by the City, residents and businesses may be required to take action to ensure that we keep our water supply healthy at every stage. STAGE 1: DROUGHT WATCH WHAT HAPPENS: Conserving water is encouraged but not mandatory. In a Stage 1 drought we encourage everyone to pitch in and look for ways to save water in and around homes and businesses. STAGE 2: DROUGHT ADVISORY WHAT HAPPENS: Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions begin. When Stage 2 drought hits, the City may set a few temporary rules. We may ask everyone to water only on certain days and at the most efficient times, to forgo new plantings, and make other adjustments. At this stage, we may include exceptions for new sod establishment. STAGE 3: DROUGHT WARNING WHAT HAPPENS: Lawn watering ban in effect, and other outdoor water use is restricted. In Stage 3 drought, we may require everyone to let their lawns go unwatered, only water gardens and trees on assigned days, and use a commercial car wash instead of washing cars at home. We may ask hotels to restrict laundering, and restaurants to not serve water unless requested.
STAGE 4: DROUGHT EMERGENCY WHAT HAPPENS: Water is rationed for essential uses only. Stage 4 drought is unlikely, but we’ve got a plan, all the same. At this stage, we’d require everyone to refrain from watering lawns and gardens entirely (except trees)—including golf courses, parks and athletic fields. Other restrictions could include holding off on street cleaning and construction projects that require water. KEEP UP TO DATE ON DROUGHT CONDITIONS We’re monitoring drought conditions and want to keep you in the know. The Bozeman Chronicle will publish the Bozeman Drought Meter on the weather page every Friday throughout the summer. You can also gauge conditions at bozemanwater.com.
The City of Bozeman is currently in STAGE 1: DROUGHT WATCH What happens: Conserving water is encouraged but not mandatory. Find out more about Drought Stages and what you need to do at bozemanwater.com
WHAT CAN I DO NOW? Even when we aren’t in a drought stage, conserving water is our best defense. Here are some ways to start: · Upgrade to high-efficiency clothes washers, toilets, and showerheads and cash in on a rebate from the City of Bozeman so you can immerse yourself in some money saving too. · Check out the following pages to learn about rebates for highefficiency sprinkler system products and drought tolerant plants. · Take advantage of our sprinkler system assessments and suggested maintenance to ensure your system is in ship-shape and dripping with efficiency. WHAT DOES DROUGHT HAVE TO DO WITH MY LANDSCAPING? Our best defense against drought is using water efficiently in our homes and on our landscapes. This guide is tailored to our region and includes tips on the best ways to amend your soil, choose plants, and water efficiently, all things that help conserve water.
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Water Smarter
More Lawn for Less Green We can’t stop heat waves, but we can watch our water—especially when it comes to our lawns. SPRUCE UP YOUR SPRINKLERS! A recent survey indicated that seventy-two percent of all Bozeman residents have automatic in-ground sprinkler systems. These systems can save water—but only if they are maintained and operated properly. See page 7 and 9 for more information on sprinkler maintenance and sprinkler assessments. TWO TYPES OF SPRINKLER HEADS IN THIS WORLD There are two basic types of sprinkler heads: pop-ups and rotors. · Pop-up spray heads deliver about 1.5 to 2 inches of water per hour in a fan-shaped or full-circle spray. · Rotor spray heads deliver about 0.5 inches of water per hour in a rotating jet of water. THE DOWNSIDE OF POP-UPS Pop-up systems that spray a steady fan of water can water four times as fast as rotor systems. If the soil is getting too much too fast, water will run off and be wasted. CYCLE AND SOAK To avoid runoff, break up total watering time into two or three cycles, allowing the lawn to rest in between cycles. This allows water to move deeper into the soil profile, thus driving the roots deeper into the soil, making the lawn more drought tolerant and resistant to disease. TEST YOUR LAWN WITH TWO WEEKS’ WORTH OF TUNA Each lawn’s water requirements are different, depending on the soil, sunlight, and other landscaping factors. To find out how much water your sprinkler system delivers, all you need is a tuna tin—well, 12 tuna tins. 1) Place 12 flat bottomed cans (tuna or cat food cans work) evenly across your lawn. 2) Run your sprinklers for 15 minutes. 3) Use a ruler to measure the depth of the water (in inches) in each can and write it down. 4) Add up the amounts and divide by the number of cans. This number is the average amount of water your sprinkler delivers in 15 minutes.
5) Use the following chart to determine what your total watering time is each week based on the amount of flow in inches from the Tuna Can Test. Sprinkler Run Times to Apply One Inch of Water Per Week Average Sprinkler Flow (Inches) from Test 0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Watering Time (Total Minutes Per Week)
50
37
30
25
22
19
16
75
SNEAK IN MORE WATER SAVINGS · Wake and water: Water between 4am and 8am, since water evaporates during the middle of the day. · Rain check: Turn off your sprinkler system when it rains, or install a rain sensor to do it for you. · Don’t blow it: Avoid watering during high winds. · Back off: Try taking two minutes off the watering times for each zone. If that works and your lawn stays green, take off another two minutes. · One, two, three: Water only when your lawn needs it. Watering three days per week is more than sufficient. · Green thumb rules: Adjust watering times throughout the season. A good rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during peak season (July and August). Water less in May and June, and by Labor Day, reduce watering to once per week to prepare grass for dormancy. · Don't get busted: Check your sprinkler system for leaks, broken, and misaligned nozzles and repair within seven days. · Stand taller: Raise your mower blade! Keep your grass at least three inches long to keep the soil cool. This also helps the soil retain moisture. PUT A LITTLE SPRING IN YOUR STEP If you step on your lawn and it doesn’t spring back, it’s time to water. GET NEW GREEN GROWING To efficiently establish new lawns, water as needed for up to 21 days. After 21 days, routine watering can be reduced to three days per week or less, between 4am and 8am.
6 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Water Smarter
Sprinkler Adjustments and Maintenance
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TUNE UP YOUR TURF Small adjustments to your sprinkler system can mean big water savings. Take a few minutes to dial in your spray before the heat of summer.
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BE A SPRINKLER SLEUTH In spring, run each zone for 2-3 minutes to make sure everything is working properly. (Many controllers have an automatic test setting just for this reason.) Use this checklist to observe and ask yourself these questions, then adjust as needed:
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r Check the sprinkler heads. Are any broken, clogged, or misaligned? r Are all rotating sprinkler heads rotating as intended?
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r Are all of the sprinklers popping up to their intended height? (Gently pull up risers that look low).
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r Are any sprinklers tilted relative to a flat surface?
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r Are any sprinklers being obstructed by tall grass, plants, trees, fences, etc.? r Are any sprinkler heads misting? (High operating water pressure may cause this.)
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r Do the sprinklers in each zone have consistent spacing?
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r Does each zone have head-to-head coverage? (Where each sprinkler is throwing water to the next one.)
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r Do all sprinklers have an effective arc? Do they rotate too much or too little? r Do all sprinklers have an effective throw distance? Is there any over-spray onto pavement?
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r Do the sprinklers in each zone have matched precipitation rates (inches of water applied/hour)?
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BEAT THE FREEZE. The end of September through mid-October is the best time to turn your sprinkler system off and have it blown out. Blow-outs help eliminate cracks, leaks, and other damage from freezing temperatures over the course of the winter.
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Water Smarter
Lusher Landscapes · Give trees a chance: Trees have deeper root zones and require more water than turf grass, shrubs and perennials. But, tree root zones also store lots of water, so they can be watered less frequently than smaller plants. · Far out: Trunks and leaves do not carry water to the roots of trees or shrubs. Deliver water to the edge of the leaf canopy, known as the drip line, which is where the roots absorb the most water. · Keep plants happy: Shrubs and perennials like deep but infrequent watering. · Create plant cliques: Cluster plants with similar watering needs together in the same zones to avoid over and under watering. HOLD H20 HOSTAGE Most water evaporates before it ever reaches plant roots. A 2- to 3-inch mulch barrier around trees, plants, and shrubs will help them hold on to water. See page 11 for more information. DRIP YOUR WAY TO MORE GREEN Drip systems deliver water directly to landscape plants, minimizing water lost to evaporation. They are also great for mulched beds because water soaks into the soil without disturbing the mulch. Typical Flow Rates Drip 0.5 – 4 gal/hour Bubbler 0.5 – 2 gal/minute Hose 2 – 5 gal/minute
This chart will help you understand how much water drip, bubbler and hose systems deliver to your landscape.
KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPE LOVELY FOR LESS · Root for plants: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root development. · One, two, three: Water no more than three days per week. · The pool rule: Avoid letting water pool in gutters, streets and alleys. · Don’t water the driveway: Save by keeping water from spraying on concrete and asphalt. · Don’t hose up: If you use a hose to water, install a spray nozzle to control the rate of flow.
8 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Water Smarter
Lower Your Flow for More Dough
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Keep your lawn green, save money, and get some cash back too. When you install qualified sprinkler products, the City of Bozeman will reward you with a rebate. But that’s not the only advantage—these steps can help lower your water bills without sacrificing your lawn.
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ABOUT OUR REBATE PRODUCTS · WaterSense® Labeled Smart Controllers use local weather and landscape conditions to make decisions about when and for how long to water to better match plants’ water needs. These controllers can be retrofitted to work with existing systems. Some are internet based and include apps to make it fun and easy to adjust sprinkler settings whether you are at home or away.
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· Multiple Stream Multiple Trajectory (MSMT) Nozzles deliver water more efficiently than spray heads. With spray heads, 50% of the water can be lost to evaporation and wind drift. Plus, MSMTs can easily replace your existing spray heads.
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· Water use and water bills can be reduced with any of these rebated items. Rebates are available for single family residences (single meter), that receive water for outdoor watering from the City of Bozeman. Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program Amounts* Products WaterSense® Labeled Smart Controllers Multiple Stream Multiple Trajectory (MSMT) Nozzles
Retrofit to existing system $300
· Rain Sensors override the sprinkler system when a certain amount of rain has fallen to shut off the system. When the sensor dries, it opens the connection to allow the system to resume normal operations.
Rain Sensors
$50
Drip Irrigation
$350
· Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plants—targeting the roots and minimizing water lost to evaporation and wind drift.
(qualifying products are listed on pages 15-23 of this guide)
· Drought tolerant plants require less maintenance than turfgrass and use 50-75% less water. Plus, they are beautiful and can add a big splash of color to your landscape. All plants and grasses listed on pages 15-23 of this guide qualify for our Rebate Program.
Drought Tolerant Plants and Grasses
$5/nozzle
$150
*Rebate amounts differ for new construction. Rebate amount not to exceed purchase price.
For more information about the City of Bozeman’s Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program, visit www.bozemanwater.com and click the Water Conservation button.
Free Sprinkler System Assessment* Did you know your sprinkler system can use more water in a week than your family uses inside your home in a month? Find out how to trim that water use (and your bill).
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· Sprinkler systems must be operating properly for these products to be of benefit. To qualify for a rebate on a smart controller or more than 10 nozzles, you must first check your sprinkler system or have one of our Approved Providers take a look.
Contact the City of Bozeman to schedule a free sprinkler system assessment. Our trained staff will check your sprinkler system and develop a customized report, including: · System repair needs, · Recommendations for improving system efficiency, · A customized watering schedule based upon system performance and plant water needs.
Space is limited for this service, so early birds get the worm. Or rent a DIY Sprinkler System Assessment Kit from the City of Bozeman. Then, check out the City of Bozeman’s Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program and work with one of our Approved Providers to upgrade your system. You’ll be conserving water in no time. For more information about scheduling a sprinkler system assessment, or working with one of our Approved Providers, select the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and select the Water Wise Resources option.
*Available to residences connected to City of Bozeman water for outdoor watering. Space is limited for this service. First-come, first-served.
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Lawn & Landscape
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Gardeners worth their salt know that lawns and landscapes depend on good dirt. Knowing your soil type means knowing how to improve it—and that’s the secret to efficient watering and gorgeous landscapes. KNOW YOUR DIRT There are three common soil types: clay loam, sand loam and silt loam. · Clay loam is sticky and easy to shape. It often requires sand and organic matter to improve its quality. Clay is the gluey “peanut butter” of soils, but it can dry to a hard, almost impermeable surface. · Sand loam is visibly granular with no stickiness. It’s gritty, like sugar. Most sand loam will break up easily even when wet. · Silt loam is the happy medium between clay and sand loam. Its granules are smaller than sand but not as small as clay. It is smooth like clay but breaks apart like sand. This allows for just the right amount of water absorption and mineral retention. Guess what Bozeman is built on? Mostly, clay loam. This heavy, fine soil prevents water from soaking in easily. If you water this type of soil too fast, the water pools and runs off into the street and storm drains, picking up all kinds of contaminants. This dirty water can end up in our streams. In other areas of town, the soil can be extremely porous. Bottom line: you need healthy soil for a healthy garden, so it pays to know your dirt and water accordingly.
· Mul won stay DISCOVER YOUR DIRT To find your soil type, place approximately one tablespoon of soil in the palm of your hand. Add water one drop at a time and knead the soil to break down all the larger pieces. You can identify your soil when the consistency feels like putty. Refer to the soil types listed to the left to discover yours. For more information, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Water Wise Resources option. IMPROVE YOUR DIRT Good soil has particles of varying sizes and shapes and organic materials which retain water, provide nutrients, and allow water to get to plant roots.
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Once you know your soil type, make it even better: 1. Begin with deep spading, plowing or rototilling to a depth of about six inches to break up compacted soil.
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2. While tilling, add organic matter such as compost or shredded leaves to beef up nutrition. 3. Add soil amendments, as needed, for your type of soil. For more information about soil amendments, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Water Wise Resources option.
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Tip: fi approx 10 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Lawn & Landscape
Mulch More. Water Less. Mulch holds water hostage. Most water evaporates before it ever reaches plant roots, but the addition of a 2- to 3-inch deep mulch barrier will help your trees, plants and shrubs keep water right where it belongs. MUCH ADO ABOUT MULCH Some benefits to adding mulch to your landscaping: · Mulch helps hold in soil moisture. · It helps protect soil from erosion on steep slopes. · A well-mulched bed keeps weeds at bay. · Organic mulch (wood chip, straw etc.) provide the soil with free nutrients. · Mulch insulates and regulates soil temperature. Hot summer days won’t scorch your plants, and those trees, shrubs and perennials will stay cozy during cold, fall evenings. · Adding mulch can help create a finished appearance to your landscaping beds. ORGANIC VS. SYNTHETIC MULCH ‘Organic’ mulch contains material that was once living. This includes all sorts of good stuff: bark, straw, grass clippings, compost material, leaves and manure.
HOW TO MULCH SMARTER 1. Before adding mulch to bare soil—especially for newly planted shrubs and perennials—make sure the soil that surrounds the plants’ roots is moist. This hydration kick-start will ensure roots do not dry out when rainfall is lacking. 2. Mix all of your preferred mulch components together before spreading it onto the soil. This ensures a balanced interaction with air, moisture, light and nutrients. 3. Rake the full depth of a mulch layer at least once per season. Some mulch, when regularly wet and exposed to extreme temperature changes, can grow mold if left unturned. 4. Keep the depth in of your mulch between two and three inches. Adding too much mulch could risk the development of crown disease due to excess heat and moisture, so only add mulch to a planting bed if there is less than three inches in depth (after applying water). On the other hand, having too little mulch won’t properly regulate temperature or control plant water stress, and the weeds may start creeping in.
Pros: · the ability to release essential plant nutrients into the soil (especially nitrogen) · regulates soil temperature, which keeps plant roots comfortable · relatively inexpensive Cons: · needs to be replenished regularly as it decomposes · requires raking and upkeep for even distribution in planting beds Synthetic (or inorganic) mulch encompasses a wide variety of manufactured materials that do not break down, including: coir, planting fabric, rock, perlite, plastic film and paper products. Pros: · allows for faster water movement into the soil · improves soil aeration · requires less maintenance than organic mulch Cons: · poor temperature regulation · does not add nutrients to the soil · lacks the sticky, fibrous surface of organic mulch that provides structural support to plants Tip: find a happy medium in your mulch by using a mix of approximately 1/3 organic and 2/3 inorganic. Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 11
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Lawn & Landscape
Secret Ingredient: Compost
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Compost is decomposed organic material, and plants love it. You can purchase it or make it yourself from leaves, lawn clippings, vegetable waste and coffee grounds. Compost improves air circulation in clay soils and nutrient retention in sandy soils. Plus, healthy plants in a well-composted landscape bed don’t need to be watered as frequently.
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Most soils can be improved by adding compost, which helps retain water in the soil and at plant roots. Compost can be added to flower beds and gardens and before installing sod or planting trees and shrubs. Compost can also be used as a top dressing on existing lawns.
DIY HOME COMPOSTING Follow a recipe! Like baking cookies, composting requires that you know what ingredients, and how much of them, are needed. Ingredient list: • Materials: be sure to add the brown and the green! The ‘brown’ materials, or sources of carbon in the compost, are things like dead leaves, wood chips, and cardboard. The ‘green’ materials, or sources of nitrogen, are things like lawn clippings, vegetable waste and coffee grounds. The C:N (carbon to nitrogen ratio) should be about 30:1.
• Microorganisms: they are the cooks in the kitchen and do the dirty work! You can add worms, manure, or starters to get things going.
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• Oxygen: needed for the microorganisms and speeds up the process.
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• Water: the compost pile should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge.
All of these ingredients work together to get things cooking!
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12 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Lawn & Landscape
Go Drought-Tolerant A regular old lawn sucks up water, but landscaping with droughttolerant plants can help you water less—whether you replace a few high-maintenance flowers, remove a section of turfgrass, or redo your entire landscape. Choosing to landscape with drought-tolerant plants can cut your watering by fifty to seventy-five percent. Watering aside, drought tolerant plants simply make gardening and landscaping easier. They need less maintenance, require no fertilizers or pesticides, offer habitat for pollinators, and they protect your landscape investment against drought. Plus, well-designed water efficient landscapes raise property values, offsetting the cost of installation. DROUGHT TOLERANT VS. WATER SMART PLANTS Drought tolerant plants generally don’t need extra watering after the plant is established, unless there is a long dry spell. Plants are considered “established” usually two to three seasons after planting.
MAINTAINING YOUR DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPE Good maintenance is essential for a beautiful landscape, but even more so for saving water. · Prune shrubs and trees when they are dormant. Pruning during the growing season will actually spur growth and increase watering needs. · Weed regularly. Regular weeding makes more water and nutrients available to your chosen landscape plants, instead of getting sucked up by invaders. Weeding in the spring and fall is best. · Add mulch to your landscape bed (about 2 to 3 inches in depth) to hold in soil moisture. For more about mulch, please see page 11. · Check your drip system for leaks.
Water smart plants can withstand periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during hot and dry conditions. See pages 15-23 for drought tolerant and water smart plant lists. PLANNING YOUR DROUGHT-FRIENDLY TAKEOVER Thinking through your drought-tolerant landscape before you start planting can pay off big-time later. 1. Start by familiarizing yourself with drought tolerant plants at local nurseries. Per the USDA, most of the Bozeman Area is in hardiness Zone 4. Selecting Zone 4 plants (or lower zones) ensures that your plants are suited for Bozeman’s climate. Use our plant lists starting on page 15 to help choose plants. 2. Using graph paper, draw a map of your property noting trees, fences, walkways or buildings. Indicate areas of sun or shade which will help you determine plant selection and watering needs. Study the drainage patterns of the property. If you have a sloped yard, consider terraces to reduce erosion and soil loss from rain storms and outdoor watering. 3. Think about how each area will be used. Outdoor living areas, playing, seating, pathways and visual barriers should be added to the plan. Grass patches should be easily mowed. Curved barriers are preferred over straight lines with sharp corners. Bigger shrubs and trees can be located next to buildings to offer heating and cooling.
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Plant Guide
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The Water Smart Planting Guide So, you’re ready to dig in and get water smart. The aisles of the local nurseries might look like a labyrinth at first, but Bozeman’s Water Smart Planting Guide can help you navigate your way to successfully installing a beautiful water-saving yard. The following pages will introduce you to the many drought-tolerant species that thrive in Bozeman’s climate which generally don't need extra watering once established. We’ve also included water smart species that will only need watering during hot and dry conditions.
KEY
Drought Tolerant
Water Smart
Full Sun
Part Sun
Rebate
Comm Shrubs
Perennials
Grasses
Butterfly Pollinator
Bee Pollinator
Drought Tolerant Plant Rebates* All plants and grasses listed in this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Download a comprehensive City of Bozeman Drought Tolerant Plant Rebate Shopping List form to help you purchase plants, save money, and save water. To find the City of Bozeman Drought Tolerant Plant Rebate Shopping List, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Rebates & Incentives option. DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANT REBATE IN 4 SIMPLE STEPS: 1. Spend $150 on qualifying plants. 2. Install plants. 3. Submit rebate application with proof of purchase and installation. 4. Receive rebate.
Perennials
ng List out to serve Rebate Shoppi during checkTolerant Plant er initial form an Drought y staff memb City of Bozem have a nurser for rebate of installation shopping and proof Total cost qualifying species this form while purchase, and as proof of Cost per plant n, proof of Please fill out Send
Shrubs
along with this form in
Common Name Kinnickinnick* Big* Sagebrush, Oregon Grape* Caragana, Siberian Caragana Pygmy Silver* Rabbitbrush, Dwarf Blue Rabbitbrush, Green* Rabbit Brush Spreading* Juniper Low n* Juniper Commo lla* Potenti Western Sandcherry,
rebate applicatio
Scientific Name uva-ursi Arctostaphylos ta Artemisia tridenta Berberis repens cens Caragana arbores a na Caraga pygmae nauseosus Chrysothamnus nauseosus nana Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Chrysothamnus horizontalis Juniperous nis Juniperus commu a Potentilla fruticos Prunus bessyi na Prunus virginia ica Rhus aromat a Rhus trilobat Ribes aureum ii Rosa harison a Sheperdia argente Yucca glauca uva-ursi Arctostaphylos Berberis repens nis Juniperus commu
Chokecherry Low' Sumac 'Grow Sumac Trilobe* * Golden Currant 's Yellow Rose Harison Silver* Buffaloberry, Plains* Yucca, Great innick* Kinnick Oregon Grape* n* Juniper Commo Chokecherry* Low' Sumac 'Grow * Golden Currant Lilacs Western* Serviceberry,
Fernbush Daphne' Daphne 'Carol Apache Plume '* Lewis 'Blizzard Mockorange, ound Currant Greenm f 'Tor'* Spirea Birchlea Lilacs
Count
na Prunus virginia ica Rhus aromat Ribes aureum Syringa vulgaris alnifolia Amelanchier millefolium Chamaebatiaria odii Daphne x burkwo xa Fallugia parado lewisii Philadelphus Ribes alpinum lia Spiraea betulifo Syringa species
al: $
Shrub subtot
Common Name Yarrow, Moonshi Scientific Name ne Achillea hybrid Hollyhocks Alcea hybrids Pearly Everlasti ng* Anaphalis margarit Purple Coneflow acea er* Echinacea pallida Buckwheat Sulfur* and angustifo lia Eriogonum umbellat Blanketflower um Gaillardia aristata Iris, Bearded Iris hybrids Gayfeather, Dotted* Liatris punctata Penstemon* native Penstemon species Penstemon Rocky Mountain Penstemon strictus Peony, Old Fashione d Peonia hybrids Russian Sage Perovskia atriplicifo Sedum: hardy cultivars lia Sedum species Snow on the Mountain Aegopodium Pussytoes* podagraria Antennaria species Columbine, Yellow Aquilegia chrysant Columbine, Colorado ha Blue* Aquilegia coerulea Barrenwort Epimedium x Roundleaf Alumroo versicolor 'sulphure t* um' Heuchera cylindrica Penstemon Little Flowered* Penstemon procerus Violet, Canadian * Viola canaden Butterflyweed* sis Asclepias tuberosa Alyssum 'Basket of Gold' Aurina saxatillis Purple Coneflow er Echinacea purpurea Lewis Flax Linum lewisii Catmint Nepeta faassenii Evening Primrose Oenothera missouri Penstemon Pineleaf ensis Penstemon pinifolius Meadow Sage Salvia nemoros Soapwort 'Max a Frei' Saponaria lempergi Pasqueflower* i Anemone patens Heartless Bergenia Bergenia cordifolia Harebells* Campanula rotundifo Geranium lia Geranium cantabrig Geranium White iense Geranium macrorrh Coral Bells 'Snow izum album Angel' Heuchera sanguine Lamium 'Herman a s Pride' Lamium galeobdo Turkish Veronica lon Veronica liwanesis
Count
Cost per plant
Total cost
Grasses
Indian Ricegrass ss* Bluebunch Wheatgra Little Bluestem* Prairie Dropseed* Reedgrass Korean Feather Feather Reedgrass
Moor Grass Moorflam Moor Grass Skyracer Switchgrass*
Cost per plant
Total cost
Boutelous Festuca idahoensis
Idaho Fescue* Prarie Junegrass
Tufted Hairgrass* Blue Fescue Blue Oat Grass
Count
Scientific Name la Bouteloua curtipendu
Common Name Side Oats Grama Blue Grama
Koeleria macrantha s Oryzopsis hymenoide spicata Pseudoroegneria Schizachyrum scoparium is Sprobolus heteroleps ha Calamagrostis brachytric acutiflora Calamagrostis x Deschampsia caespitosa
Festuca glauca ns Helictotrichon sempervire e
Molina caerulea sp arundinacea Molina cerulean Panacum virgatum
Grasses subtotal: Total amount spent
on qualifying plants:
$ $
Perennial subtotal :$
For more information, click on the Water Conservation button at www.bozemanwater.com and refer to the Water Wise Resources or Rebates & Incentives option. *Must be a City of Bozeman water customer.
Be a Pollinator Propagator Add a little life to your yard by including bee and butterfly-friendly plants in your landscape plans. It’s estimated that pollinators are responsible for every one in three bites of food we eat. Planting water smart species that naturally attract the buzz and flutter will not only add color and interest to your yard, it will help the sustainability of our food system. Want more inspiration? Visit Bozeman’s Pollinator Garden at Langhor Park, just north of the intersection of South Tracy and West Mason.
14 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Barren Choke Colum Colum Coral B Curran Daphn Gerani Gerani Golden Harebe Heartle Junipe Kinnic Lamiu Lilacs . Orego Pasque Penste Pussyt Round Snow o Sumac Turkish Violet,
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Plant Guide DROUGHT TOLERANT AND WATER SMART PLANT CROSS REFERENCE The plants on the following eight pages are organized in Drought Tolerant and Water Smart categories. To help you plan for specific parts of your landscape, we have organized, on this page, the same plant lists by categories of part sun and shade plants, and full sun plants. PART SUN AND SHADE PLANT LIST (ALPHA BY COMMON NAME) Common Name
Type
Barrenwort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Chokecherry* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Columbine, Colorado Blue* . . . . . . . Perennials . Columbine, Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Coral Bells 'Snow Angel' . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Currant Greenmound . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Daphne 'Carol Daphne' . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Geranium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Geranium White . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Golden Currant* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Harebells* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Heartleaf Bergenia . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Juniper Common* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Kinnickinnick* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Lamium 'Hermans Pride' . . . . . . . . Perennials . Lilacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Oregon Grape* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Pasqueflower* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Penstemon Little Flowered* . . . . . . . Perennials . Pussytoes* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Roundleaf Alumroot* . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Snow on the Mountain . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Sumac ‘Grow Low’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Turkish Veronica . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Violet, Canadian* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials .
DT/WS** Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 17 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 WS . . . . 23 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 23 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 17 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 17 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 19 DT . . . . . 17 WS . . . . 23 DT . . . . . 19
*indicates plants native to Montana. **Drought Tolerant/Water Smart
FULL SUN PLANT LIST (ALPHA BY COMMON NAME) Common Name
Type
Alyssum 'Basket of Gold' . . . . . . . . Perennials . Apache Plume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Blanketflower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Buckwheat Sulfur* . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Buffaloberry, Silver* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Butterflyweed* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Caragana Pygmy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Caragana, Siberian . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Catmint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Chokecherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Evening Primrose . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Fernbush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Gayfeather, Dotted* . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Golden Currant* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Hollyhocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Iris, Bearded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Juniper Common* . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Juniper Low Spreading* . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Kinnickinnick* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Lewis Flax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Lilacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Meadow Sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Mockorange, Lewis 'Blizzard'* . . . . . . Shrubs . . Oregon Grape* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Pearly Everlasting* . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Penstemon Pineleaf . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Penstemon Rocky Mountain . . . . . . Perennials . Penstemon* native . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Peony, Old Fashioned . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Potentilla* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Purple Coneflower . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Purple Coneflower* . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Rabbit Brush Green* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Rabbitbrush, Dwarf Blue . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Rabbitbrush, Silver* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Rose Harison's Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Russian Sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Sagebrush, Big* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Sandcherry, Western . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Sedum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Serviceberry, Western* . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Soapwort ‘Max Frei’ . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Spirea Birchleaf ‘Tor’* . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Sumac 'Grow Low' . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Sumac Trilobe* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . . Yarrow, Moonshine . . . . . . . . . . . . Perennials . Yucca, Great Plains* . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubs . .
DT/WS** Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 WS . . . . 22 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 WS . . . . 21 WS . . . . 22 WS . . . . 21 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 16 DT . . . . . 18 DT . . . . . 16
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Plant Guide
Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Rabbit Brush Green*
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus
Benefits from annual pruning to keep it from sprawling.
2.
Sumac Trilobe*
Rhus trilobata
Stays low in the wild but will grow tall in landscape situations, prune lower branches for specimen plant.
3.
Sumac 'Grow Low'
Rhus aromatica
Nice low growing shrub, shiny green leaves.
4.
Yucca, Great Plains*
Yucca glauca
Very drought tolerant, will form colonies.
5.
Sagebrush, Big*
Artemisia tridentata
Can be pruned over time to keep interesting habit.
6.
Rabbitbrush, Silver*
Chrysothamnus nauseosus
Benefits from annual pruning to keep it dense.
7.
Rabbitbrush, Dwarf Blue
Chrysothamnus nauseosus nana
Stays dense and low without pruning.
8.
Rose Harison's Yellow
Rosa harisonii
Often found naturalized in historical landscapes, does spread by suckers.
9.
Caragana, Siberian
Caragana arborescens
Used as a hedge or windbreak plant. Yellow flowers attract hummingbirds.
10.
Caragana Pygmy
Caragana pygmaea
Fine textured, lower growing caragana, yellow flowers.
11.
Sandcherry, Western
Prunus besseyi
Early white flowers in spring and edible berries. 'Pawnee Buttes' is low growing spreader.
12.
Potentilla*
Potentilla fruticosa
Actually not a prairie plant, native to higher foothills.
13.
Golden Currant*
Ribes aureum
Can be pruned into a medium height hedge, early blooms benefit pollinators, good for windbreak if planted densely.
No.
14.
Kinnickinnick*
Arctostaphylos uva- ursi
Spreading groundcover, one of our only broadleaf evergreens.
1.
*indicates plants native to Montana. 1
3
11
13
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun (continued on p. 17)
All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details. 16 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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s,
Plant Guide Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Full Sun (continued) 15.
Oregon Grape*
Berberis repens
Holly like foliage, somewhat evergreen. Foliage can brown over winter but pruning will renew.
16.
Buffaloberry, Silver*
Shepherdia argentea
Can be pruned at bottom to create a nice specimen, does sucker, edible berries and silver leaf color.
17.
Juniper Low Spreading*
Juniperus horizontalis
Very low growing groundcover.
18.
Juniper Common*
Juniperus communis
Juniper with softer foliage, nice low habit.
19.
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Tall shrub with white flowers and edible berries, will sucker but can be pruned into specimen small tree. *indicates plants native to Montana.
15
16
17
d by
ttes'
Drought Tolerant Shrubs for Part Sun and Shade The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
ns.
1.
Lilacs
Syringa vulgaris
Older plants can tolerate long dry spells. Leaves will begin to wilt but plant often survives. It can be grown in full shade.
ontana.
2.
Golden Currant*
Ribes aureum
Can grow a bit lanky without sun, responds to pruning.
3.
Oregon Grape*
Berberis repens
Holly like foliage, somewhat evergreen. Foliage can brown over winter but pruning will renew.
4.
Kinnickinnick*
Arctostaphylos uva- ursi
Spreading groundcover, one of our only broadleaf evergreens.
5.
Sumac ‘Grow Low’
Rhus aromatica
Best if has some hours of sun.
6.
Chokecherry*
Prunus virginiana
Can tolerate full shade.
7.
Juniper Common*
Juniperus communis
Can also take shade. *indicates plants native to Montana.
1
4
6
n p. 17)
Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 17
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Plant Guide
Drought Tolerant Perennials for Full Sun The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Sedum
Sedum species
hardy cultivars
2.
Penstemon* native
Penstemon species
Littleleaf (P. procerus) is longest lived.
3.
Penstemon Rocky Mountain
Penstemon strictus
4.
Buckwheat Sulfur*
Eriogonum umbellatum
Forms tight mat over time, 'Kannah Creek' is a good cultivator.
5.
Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Tall plant with silver foliage and lavender like flowers.
6.
Purple Coneflower*
Echinacea pallida and angustifolia
Great plant for butterflies.
7.
Pearly Everlasting*
Anaphalis margaritacea
Long lived, will form a large mound over time, needs good drainage.
8.
Peony, Old Fashioned
Paeonia hybrids
Even though they might not grow as large or bear as many flowers, this plant can survive without supplemental water.
9.
Yarrow, Moonshine
Achillea hybrid
Seems to be very drought tolerant, does not spread like the native yarrow.
10.
Gayfeather, Dotted*
Liatris punctata
Needs good drainage but once established can be long lived, late blooming.
11.
Iris, Bearded
Iris hybrids
Can take very dry conditions, needs to be divided when they form tight clumps.
12.
Hollyhocks
Alcea hybrids
Alcea rugosa is longest lived.
13.
Blanketflower
Gaillardia aristata
Long blooming, many cultivars. *indicates plants native to Montana.
1
2
5
6
7
9
10
11
18 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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or.
d,
Plant Guide
Drought Tolerant Perennials for Part Sun and Shade The plants contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Snow on the Mountain
Aegopodium podagraria
Borders on invasive, needs to be in contained area but will grow in difficult dry shade.
2.
Violet, Canadian*
Viola canadensis
Grows in shade, can go dormant without water but persists.
3.
Columbine, Yellow
Aquilegia chrysantha
Columbines are amazingly drought tolerant.
4.
Columbine, Colorado Blue*
Aquilegia coerulea
5.
Pussytoes*
Antennaria species
Low silver leaf groundcover.
6.
Penstemon Little Flowered*
Penstemon procerus
Mat forming, early bloom.
7.
Roundleaf Alumroot*
Heuchera cylindrica
Great garden plant, long blooming and good foliage.
8.
Barrenwort
Epimedium x versicolor ‘sulphureum’
Good dry shade plant. *indicates plants native to Montana.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
form
All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details.
Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 19
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Plant Guide
Drought Tolerant Grasses The grasses contained in this list should not require supplemental water once the plant is established two to three years after planting. This does not apply during periods of prolonged drought. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Bluebunch Wheatgrass*
Pseudoroegneria spicata
Montana state grass, upright.
2.
Little Bluestem*
Schizachyrim scoparium
Warm Season grass, so greens up a bit later in spring, red fall color.
3.
Prairie Dropseed*
Sporobolus heterolepsis
Warm Season, low growing.
4.
Idaho Fescue*
Festuca idahoensis
Low growing, grass that is common in native grass areas in valleys.
5.
Blue Grama
Bouteloua gracilis
‘Blonde Ambition’ is a taller cultivar.
6.
Side Oats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula
Interesting seed head.
7.
Prairie Junegrass
Koeleria macrantha
Small grass, early to green up.
8.
Indian Ricegrass
Oryzopsis hymenoides
Needs a very dry and well-drained soil. *indicates plants native to Montana.
2
3
4
5
Water Smart Grasses Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Feather Reedgrass
Calamagrostis x acutiflora
Karl Foerster, El Durado, Avalanche all good upright bunch grasses.
2.
Blue Fescue
Festuca glauca
Blue foliage, short stature, can be short lived.
3.
Tufted Hairgrass*
Deschampsia cespitosa
Lacey seed heads.
4.
Switchgrass*
Panicum virgatum
Tall upright Northwind is less prone to toppling.
5.
Moor Grass Moorflame
Molina caerulea
Upright growing grass but more open than ‘Karl Foerster’.
6.
Moor Grass Skyracer
Molina cerulean sp arundinacea
Very tall grass, strong feature.
7.
Korean Feather Reedgrass
Calamogrostis brachytricha
Lovely plumed seed heads in fall.
8.
Blue Oat Grass
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Blue foliage color, large bunchgrass, needs space. *indicates plants native to Montana.
20 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Plant Guide
Water Smart Shrubs for Full Sun and Part Sun and Shade
Full Sun
Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Serviceberry, Western*
Amelanchier alnifolia
Early white flowers and edible berries, slightly suckering but can be contained.
2.
Mockorange, Lewis 'Blizzard'*
Philadelphus lewisii
Fragrant white flowers.
3.
Spirea Birchleaf ‘Tor’*
Spiraea betulifolia
Great small shrub with white flowers and good fall color.
4.
Fernbush
Chamaebatiaria millefolium
Soft fern-like foliage and white flowers. Uncommon but does well.
5.
Apache Plume
Fallugia paradoxa
Very irregular shape, white flowers form silky seed heads all season.
6.
Lilacs
Syringa species
Lots of variety in sizes and flower color.
No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
7.
Daphne 'Carol Daphne'
Daphne x burkwoodii
Likes morning sun. Variegated foliage and fragrant pink flowers.
8.
Currant Greenmound
Ribes alpinum
Can also take sun. Dense, even grower, short mounding shrub.
Part Sun and Shade
ontana.
*indicates plants native to Montana. 1
2
5
6
3
7
4
8
All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details.
ontana. Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com | 21
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Plant Guide
Water Smart Perennials for Full Sun Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Alyssum 'Basket of Gold'
Aurina saxatilis
Likes good drainage, can spread by seedlings but not aggressive.
2.
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Lots of cultivators available, some less hardy and long lived.
3.
Penstemon Pineleaf
Penstemon pinifolius
Likes good drainage and low water, striking orange flowers later in season.
4.
Meadow Sage
Salvia nemorosa
Long lived and hardy, lots of cultivators.
5.
Butterflyweed*
Asclepias tuberosa
Bright orange flowers, needs well drained soil, spreads somewhat but not in any way invasive.
6.
Catmint
Nepeta faassenii
Long blooming, likes dry hot places.
7.
Evening Primrose
Oenothera missouriensis
Large yellow flowers in mid summer, low growing.
8.
Soapwort ‘Max Frei’
Saponaria lempergii
Dusty pink flowers in late summer, low growing.
9.
Lewis Flax
Linum lewisii
Semi-evergreen. Blue flowers. Good erosion control. *indicates plants native to Montana.
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22 | Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area | www.bozemanwater.com
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Plant Guide
Water Smart Perennials for Part Sun and Shade
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Water smart plants can withstand long periods without supplemental water but will need deep watering during prolonged hot and dry conditions. No. Common Name
Scientific Name
Notes
1.
Geranium White
Geranium macrorrhizum album
Nice under trees.
2.
Coral Bells 'Snow Angel'
Heuchera sanguinea
Interesting variegated foliage.
3.
Harebells*
Campanula rotundifolia
Forms colonies, delicate blue flowers.
4.
Pasqueflower*
Anemone patens
One of the earliest bloomers, crocus like flowers, silky seedheads, good foliage the rest of season.
5.
Lamium 'Hermans Pride'
Lamium galeobdolon
Variegated foliage and yellow flowers.
6.
Geranium
Geranium cantabrigiense
Great ground cover for shady areas.
7.
Turkish Veronica
Veronica liwanensis
Very low growing ground cover. Sky blue flowers.
8.
Heartleaf Bergenia
Bergenia cordifolia
Good foliage plant. *indicates plants native to Montana.
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All plants and grasses listed within this guide qualify for rebates as part of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Sprinkler System Rebate Program. Visit www.bozemanwater.com for more details.
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We at the City are prepared to do what it takes to ensure that we have enough water as we welcome new Bozemanites to our semi-arid region. Our water is crucial—now, and for Bozeman’s future. New infrastructure is more expensive than simply being smart about conserving what we have. We literally can’t afford to waste our water. Thank you in advance for contributing to Bozeman’s drought resilience by planting water-sipping plants, watering your landscapes with care, taking advantage of rebates, and setting your landscapes up for success. With your help, we’re ready to face the future.
City of Bozeman, Water Conservation Division 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, MT 59715 406.582.2280 · waterconservation@bozeman.net www.bozemanwater.com
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