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<p class="p"><img src="/images/news/s_art1_000.jpg" width="345" height="30" /> The Pacific Northwest has many spectacular native, hybrid native, and other plants adapted to local climate and soil conditions. </p>
<p class="p">Once established, native and adapted plants are very low maintenance, require little to no pesticides or fertilizers, and survive well on available water. </p>
<p><span class="p">Read about how to choose the right plants for your yard’s micro climates and soil conditions <a href="/outdoors/landscapes/plants">here</a> or stop by one of our <a href="/news/eventcalendar">summer nursery events</a> to get some great resources such as our beautiful, four color <em>Water-Efficient Plants for the Willamette Valley</em>.</span></p>
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<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0;">Did you know that over watering is the most common problem in home and commercial landscaping? Or that outdoor watering can cause water use to double or triple during the summer? This is often because people don’t know how much water their landscape needs.</p>
<p class="p">Here in the Portland metro area we recommend watering your lawn about an inch a week, and more during long, hot dry spells. <a href="/outdoors/irrigation/waterchart">Learn</a> how to tell how long it takes for your sprinkler or irrigation system to water your lawn the recommended one inch and then adjust your watering to fit local<a href="/outdoors/irrigation/wateringsmart"> weather conditions</a> and your lawn’s needs. </p>
<p class="p"><img src="/images/news/good_001.jpg" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="107" height="79" align="left" />We make this easy for you by providing FREE watering gauge kits at each of our <a href="/news/eventcalendar">summer nursery events</a>. The kits can be used as a tool to figure out how much water is needed to reach the recommended one inch of water for a healthy green lawn. You can also sign up to receive the <a href="/outdoors/irrigation/wateringsmart">Weekly Watering Number</a>, or the amount (in inches) you will need to water each week. </p>
<p><span class="p">Trees, shrubs and perennials don’t typically need as much water so it is best to check with your local garden center or landscape professional to find out their individual needs.</span></p>
<p class="p" style="margin-bottom: 0;"><img src="/images/news/w_art3copy.jpg" width="225" height="65" /></p>
<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0;">March Madness may be coming to an end, but you can keep your hoopsters busy as bees playing our <a href="/kids/">Washing Machine Basketball</a> game.</p>
<p class="p" style="margin-bottom: 0;">Learn about ways your family can conserve water at home, work and school while having fun sinking a shot or two.</p>
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<p class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0"><strong>April 26 – Using too much water?</strong><br />Learn how you can use water wisely in your garden and retain the beauty and textures of the landscape you have worked so hard to create. FREE watering gauge kits and other resources. <a href="http://www.portlandnursery.com/">Portland Nursery</a> 10 a.m - 2p.m. </p>
<p class="h3" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong>May 8 - Sustainable Soil Secrets </strong><br />Homeowners, landscapers and property managers are invited to attend this informative workshop on soil, soil types and soil amendments. </p>
<p class="h3" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><a href="http://www.tvwd.org/news--events/may-2008-events/sustainable_soil_secrets.aspx"></a></p>
<p class="h3" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">Visit <a href="/news/eventcalendar">www.conserveh2o.org</a> for a complete list of FREE workshops and events. Topics include a variety of waterwise and natural gardening tips and techniques.</p>
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<p><strong>Every year at this time, thousands of people across the country start turning on their automatic irrigation systems, make their best guess as to how long to operate their system and then hope for the best. </strong></p>
<p>Too often this method results in frustration at the appearance of the landscape and the size of the water bill.</p>
<p><strong>Sound familiar?</strong> Use the below maintenance guidelines to help you get the most out of your sprinkler system — while doing the most you can to conserve water. </p>
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<li>Hire an irrigation professional to test, repair and adjust your system annually. <br /></li>
<li>Make sure your run times are adjusted to spring watering and were not left at higher run times from last summer. <br /></li>
<li>Adjust sprinklers so you don't water the house, street or sidewalks. <br /></li>
<li>Inspect your system for leaks or broken sprinklers.<br /></li>
<li>Aerate your lawn. You will use less water to keep it green. </li>
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<p><strong>Interested in learning more</strong> about how you can conserve water and still have a lush green lawn and garden? </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0;">Learn more by reading our<a href="/resources/guides/Sprinklers_101.pdf"> Sprinkler System's 101</a> guide and the <a href="/outdoors">Outdoor Section</a> of our website.</p>
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<p><a href="/about"><img src="/images/news/1007/hl_rwpc.gif" alt="Regional Water Providers Consortium" width="225" height="70" /></a><br /><span class="p"><a href="/about">The Consortium</a> provides planning and management support for the Portland metro region's municipal water supplies. <a href="/about/contact">Contact us</a>.</span></p>
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