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48 <br /> examples of trees native to low, wet areas that grow perfectly well on high ground. Determining <br /> a plant's adaptability often requires research into its cultural requirements, which must be <br /> compatible with the plant's placement in the landscape plan. <br /> The Southeast is fortunate to have a large number of native plant species that are naturally well- <br /> adapted to our climate. Many of our most popular landscape plants are from similar temperate <br /> climates around the world and perform very well in the Southeast. Together these sources <br /> provide a large palate of plant materials from which to design a land-scape. The key to water <br /> efficiency is using these plants properly in the design, placing the plants where They will perform <br /> their best without excess water. <br /> A plant's candidacy for a Xeriscape hinges on its placement in the landscape. By combining <br /> proper plant selection with the other basic principles of Xeriscape such as improving the soil, <br /> mulching, and appropriate maintenance, water efficiency is maximized. <br /> Note: A list of some suggested drought resistant plants for the Southeast from Clemson <br /> University is attached. <br /> Waterfing Methods <br /> The use of efficient irrigation systems is a technique inherent to Xeriscape planning. Irrigation <br /> systems should provide appropriate amounts of water at critical times. The irrigation system <br /> must be designed to correlate directly to the planting zones. <br /> Drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation systems have many advantages. <br /> 1) They are precise <br /> 2) They keep the foliage dry, reducing fungus and mildew <br /> 3) They are simple to install and be used almost anywhere <br /> 4) They reduce water loss due to evaporation, runoff, and erosion <br /> 5) They reduce or prevent mildew and decay because water does not hit house siding <br /> 6) They supply water slowly so that puddling is not a problem <br /> 7) Because water is placed directly at the root zone, the plant's water requirements are <br /> met by using much less water than conventional methods <br /> A soaker hose is also an economical choice for an irrigation system. The hose is small and esay <br /> for the homeowner to handle. Installation is relatively simple and the hose works well in small <br /> shrub or flower beds. <br /> Subsurface irrigation system are both effective and economical. Evidence suggests that they <br /> create as much as a 60 percent savings in water use, and because the water is placed directly at <br /> the root zone, wet/dry cycles are reduced, resulting in deeper root growth. <br />