Simple Steps to a Sustainable Habitat Garden
The drive home is long and slow. The radio announcer reports another major bankruptcy. I turn off the car, step out, and open the gate latch to the backyard. I take a deep, refreshing breath. My eyes scan the yard to see what birds, butterflies and dragonflies are flitting around. I look to see what is blooming, while ignoring the weeds and grass creeping through the rock border.
When I moved into this century-old house, 
the yard was dominated by thirsty lawn, and the garden was quiet. Few birds found food or solace in my green desert. Gradually over the past ten years I have been replacing lawn with water-saving native and mediterranean plants. The result has been dramatic. My water bill declines with the removal of each square foot of grass. The diversity of plants attracts all kinds of interesting critters. And overall the garden is relaxing and pleasant.
Creating a sustainable habitat garden may seem daunting but it can be approached in a manageable and fun way. It can start as simply as correcting irrigation practices so that every drop of water goes to the appropriate plants. Add habitat plants and a birdbath, and you have the beginnings of a habitat garden.
Whether watering your lawn or other garden plants, it is important to water deeply and occasionally. Watering a lawn for ten minutes daily will keep it green but the roots will stay where the water is – near the surface. These shallow roots are susceptible to heat, and are dependent on their daily fix of water. Furthermore, constant moisture invites fungal and bacterial diseases, and encourages pests.
Water until the soil is wet to a depth of about twelve inches. Initially this takes close attention, but over time it becomes obvious. Use a trowel or soil probe to check soil moisture in several places. Remember, gardening is a contact sport. You must get down and dirty to do it right! I set my irrigation controller manually. During summer, my lawn, growing in loamy soil, is watered approximately fifty minutes every ten days. I use half as much water as I would watering ten minutes each day, and my St. Augustine grass, with no fertilizer or pesticides, is quite respectable.
Follow the same principles when watering most non-native trees and shrubs. These plants have deeper roots, and do not lose water as quickly as grass. Hence, water should be applied less often but for longer periods.
California native plants that are adapted to our dry summers require a completely different watering regime. Once established, most natives will grow very little, if at all, during summer, and therefore require little to no summer water. An occasional deep soaking will keep some from going completely dormant and brown. Supplemental water may be needed during dry winters when these plants are actively growing.
It goes without saying - though one might not know it walking through most communities - that sidewalks and streets do not need water. In fact, in addition to the appalling waste, this is a major source of water pollution. Although it is best to water when it is cool and the winds are calm, it is critical to observe your irrigation system often so you know when it is not working.
Next consider adding diversity to your garden. Remove some or all of your lawn during spring or summer. Develop a landscape plan, and prepare your garden so that you are ready to plant in late fall when temperatures have cooled and rain is likely.
For those not up for a full-on assault of the landscape, consider working in a small area. Plants should be grouped according to their sun and water needs. If you are using water-conserving native plants, a sprinkler and hose is a simple and effective irrigation strategy. Once established, these plants may only require water several times a year, so dragging out a hose will not be a burden.
Another important element for a habitat garden is a water feature. This too can be as complex as a re-circulating stream, or as simple as a birdbath that you clean and fill daily. In my garden I use a glass iced tea jar with a spigot at the bottom. I found one in a thrift shop and knew instantly it would never see tea leaves. I fill it every few days and it drips slowly into a flowerpot saucer.
Birds prefer a shallow birdbath with gently sloping sides and a non-slippery surface. Place the birdbath near shrubs and trees for cover. Try to protect the area from neighborhood cats.
And finally, spend relaxing time in your garden. Keep your eyes open for interesting visitors and inhabitants. Whenever you hear bad news on the radio, make an appointment with your garden. Step in, take a breath, look around, and enjoy.
Barbara Eisenstein is a native plant garden writer, speaker, and consultant. She cut her teeth running the Garden Hotline as Horticulture Outreach Coordinator at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. You can find more of her writing on native plant gardening on her website: Weeding Wild Suburbia. Email her with questions and suggestions at barbara.eisenstein@gmail.com.