One of the advantages to living in California is that our climate is perfect for growing many types of beautiful plants, including roses. Roses do well here because of the sunny weather and dry air which reduces fungal issues and diseases that can plague roses. There are many beautiful varieties of roses, in all colors and sizes, it's no wonder that roses are widely cultivated and so popular today. However, roses were in California long before people. Taking a look back to the 'root' of roses, uncovers a wonderful native variety known as the Californian wild rose. There is fossil evidence that the very first roses in North America, known as the wild rose, dates back 35 million years ago and are related to the species we know today. Interestingly, wild roses were also found in Asia dating back 70 million years ago and scientists are not sure why they only grew wild in the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike the modern day rose with many petals, the wild rose has five petals and is open-faced and quite hardy. The California wild rose is prolific in California and Oregon, growing wildly usually near deep water sources. It is considered to be a 'keystone' species which is a plant that is relied on by other plants, animals, birds and insects that inhabit the area. It supports pollinators like bees and butterflies and is a favorite nesting plant for songbirds. It has a long blooming season from spring into summer and the blooms are wonderfully fragrant.
Another interesting attribute is the tiny fruit it provides deep into winter. Called rose hips, they looks like small red crab apples and contain the rose seeds. They are high in vitamin C and also contains vitamins A, B-3, D and E as well as bioflavonoids. It is an important food source for birds and animals, was regularly used by the Native Americans, and is widely used today in supplements, teas, and recipes. The California wild rose is hardy, easy to grow and is relatively pest free. Unlike it's newer relatives, it is drought tolerant once established. It does well in a wide range of soil types and is best planted in medium to large areas. It spreads by sending out underground runner roots and its deep roots make a good barrier from other invasive plants. Plus it will attract bees and butterflies to your garden and maybe a songbird or two!
Diminishing water supplies is a world-wide problem. In the United States, with population increase and an increasing decline in water supply, the best current solution is a reduction in water use. A great solution to reducing water use in landscaping is using graywater irrigation! WHAT IS GRAYWATER? Graywater is all wash-water waste generated by a home or business. This is water from the washing machine, the sinks, bathtubs and showers and can be re-used! However, toilet waste and waste from garbage disposals and dishwashers is blackwater which contains high levels of nitrogen and pathogens and cannot be used in irrigation. GRAYWATER CAN BE USED FOR IRRIGATION: Yes, graywater can be used for irrigation, but the codes and regulations on this process varies from state to state. Californians, for instance, have used graywater irrigation systems illegally for many years. Due to these practices, the California Graywater Code was re-written with significant changes. This code designates three types of graywater systems: Clothes Washer System: This is probably the most commonly used as it is the easiest to implement, but there are restrictions on its use. It can use only a single washing machine in a family dwelling, and must be a domestic, not a commercial machine. This system may only use gravity or the pump from the washing machine itself to irrigate the desired areas in the yard or garden. The washing machine system may use up to 15 gallons per day per person in the household. It does not require a construction permit as long as it does not require cutting of the pipes that exist. Simple System: This system also serves a one or two family residence. The discharge of graywater is greater than the clothes washer system, and discharges up to 250 gallons per day. A construction permit is needed for a simple system. Complex System: This is a graywater system that uses over 250 gallons per day, and also requires a construction permit. The simple and complex systems are subject to inspection and possible percolation tests until they are approved.To install a whole-house system is a fairly simple matter in new construction, but is difficult in existing buildings.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR USING GRAYWATER:
Two inch covering regulation: The irrigation system using graywater must be covered by 2” of some kind of material to avoid contact with the graywater. Drip system of graywater irrigation: The drip system works the best with graywater irrigation. Spray irrigation is not to be used with graywater. Also, graywater is not to have run-off or ponding, and cannot reach any body of water or storm drain. No irrigation of crops intended for human consumption: Graywater may not be used for growing food. In addition, human contact with the system should be minimized.
More info here: https://greywateraction.org/requirements-for-no-permit-systems-in-california/ Pacific Vista Landscape is focused on water conservation. Re-using your graywater to irrigate your landscape can not only result in water reduction, but is a great way to keep a beautiful garden. Our professional team are experts with the latest irrigation technology and can implement a graywater re-use system for your property. We will even evaluate your current system for free! Give us a call and see how we can save you water AND money now and in the years to come!
