The last measurable rain we received here at The Antique Rose Emporium was on May 26th. (We had no rain gauges left - like my improvisation?)We may be going into Stage 3 water restrictions after this weekend but if you have been using xeric plantings in your garden not to worry. (Cutting the summer perennials back now is also a good time to slow down on the sprinkler watering anyway.)
At this time you should be adding lots of mulch to the tops of your beds to conserve any soil moisture left. If you have sprinkler systems you will want to pull this mulch back when you water so the water will get into the ground. Do not worry about all this work because we will only be watering every 2 weeks until Stage 4.
We are on a well from the Edwards Aquifer here at The Antique Rose Emporium. Watering is a serious matter now. We have "acre feet" to use each year. Stage 1 brought a 20% reduction of our annual water allocation. I am afraid what Stage 3 will bring -- maybe up to 50%?
If you have not done a little rain dance around your home now is the time.
