By Amanda Foust
The severe droughts of the past several years have been brutal on area lawns. But a local expert is planning to provide tips to help your property survive and thrive the next time the weather turns dry.
Claire Lane, a backyard conservation coordinator with the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, has helped create an educational workshop for people to attend this February.
“People will learn that although periods of drought may be inevitable, a decline in your yard’s health or beauty is not,” Lane said.
One of the keys to dealing with drought conditions and maintaining your lawn is to choose landscaping that is resilient and will survive varying weather conditions.
Lane’s presentation will provide a question-and-answer period by experts in the field who will be able to deliver insight on choices people can make this winter to help plan for springtime challenges.
The workshop will provide answers on topics such as grass seed options, when to water and in what conditions it’s better to let your lawn go dormant. And it will give attendees a chance to learn about the Backyard Conservation Program.
“This program offers free site visits and technical assistance covering the workshop topics,” Lane said, noting that the district can even help create a personalized conservation plan.
Sessions will include adapting your landscape to a changing climate, selecting and maintaining drought-tolerant native trees and shrubs, collecting and storing water, and irrigating and managing turf.
The educational sessions will be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 8 at Cool Creek Nature Center. For more information call 773-2181 or visit www.hamiltonswcd.org. The workshop costs $10 per household.
