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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 1hey 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 /> <br />Watering 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 />47