How can we conserve water while maintaining healthy, attractive gardens, no matter what climate you're in? Record-breaking heat waves, devastating droughts, wildfires scorching millions of acres, floods turning streets into rivers—we've seen it all this year. As climate extremes test our resilience, our gardens are feeling the impact too. How do we ensure our gardens not only survive but also grow in these unpredictable conditions? Let’s talk about water-saving techniques and strategies to keep your garden lush and sustainable with Noelle Johnson, aka the “Arizona plant lady.” She’s a horticulturist, landscape consultant, and the author of the new book, ‘The Water-Smart Garden.’

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:53] How Noelle became a plant expert
• [04:36] Why water conservation is important
• [07:27] What does water conservation look like?
• [08:27] Identifying drought conditions
• [09:56] Water-saving tips for renters
• [10:49] What are the plants great for different plant zones?
• [13:43] Drought-tolerant plants
• [15:28] Espoma Organics’ premium gardening products
• [16:58] AHS Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening
• [18:52] Why you should go to a local nursery
• [20:34] Making soil more efficient at water retention
• [23:32] How mulch and ground cover help with water retention
• [26:36] What are ollas for water saving?
• [30:46] What are different ways of saving rainwater? (rain barrel, swale, creek beds, etc)
• [36:32] What is xeriscaping?
• [40:33] How can you reduce the water your lawn needs?
• [44:14] Smart irrigation controllers
• [45:30] Beginner tips for water conservation
• [47:20] Advanced water conservation strategies
• [49:14] ’The Water Smart Garden’

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Gardening Books by Noelle Johnson
• Drought.gov
• Growing Joy 253: 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates
• TruDrop self-watering planters - Crescent Garden

For Noelle's complete list of water-saving tips,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Noelle:

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Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Quarto: American Horticultural Society Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening

Grab a copy of Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Quarto.com, or Amazon.com.

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