Research counts when preparing to convert landscapeReader Shares Birding Experience

A lot of people are taking advantage of the offer from the Southern Nevada Water Authority to convert their water-thirsty landscapes to one that is more water-efficient. According to the SNWA's Web site (www.snwa.org), more than 20,000 residents have taken advantage of the rebates offered to remove lawn and replace it with less consumptive landscaping. And now that the rate is $2 per square foot, the clamor to make a change is huge.

When considering a landscape conversion, you will need to do two most important things: Develop a design and then a plan of action. Do-it-yourself types can go to the SNWA Web site to select from a variety of designs produced by award-winning local landscape architects. Some of the design offerings include child-friendly, low maintenance and my favorite, color explosion. One could easily use the mock-up drawings to develop a design and plant palette for use in the conversion.

For those who want no part of the work involved, the site also lists contractors who have completed a training series that qualifies them to be termed "Water Smart Contractors." Although not endorsed by the SNWA, these contractors have the qualifications to help you with a conversion.

One of the more enjoyable tasks is the development of the plant palette. One should know which types of plants desired for the design. You could let your contractor do this, but that would be like going to the car dealership and letting them pick the make, model and color.

Some people know what they want, but just do not know how to express it. For example, I have heard people say, "I want everything to be evergreen." "I don't like dead-looking plants in the winter or those that shed leaves all at once." Well, that certainly narrows the list.

Or, how about this one? I came across a couple that wanted a lovely, desert-themed landscape but with no flowers. It seems the husband was allergic to bee stings. That presented some real challenges for them, as virtually every plant blooms.

I recommend that converters should take a trip to the nursery. Or, better yet, visit an established garden like the Water District's, the University of Las Vegas, Nevada's arboretum or any one of the community college campuses. Once there, start a list of plants you like. Note flower color, plant size and any interesting attributes (fragrance, texture, thorns). If you don't know the names, don't sweat it. With enough description, most contractors and nursery workers can figure out the plant identity. Just be sure to take detailed notes or, better yet, take a photo. Digital photos are a great way to quickly verify species and to document your wish list.

Once you develop a list, then prioritize those with the best qualities and pare down the number of species so that your landscape does not look like a botanical collection. Most designs look better if the plants are grouped in odd numbers. Three and five often work well. Your landscape will look much more impressive with masses of plants sending a bold message.

Dennis Swartzell is the marketing director for Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. As an ISA board-certified master arborist and a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, Swartzell has been helping Southern Nevadans with their gardening questions for 25 years. If you have a question about a particular plant, or a general gardening issue, send them to Swartzell at treemender@cox.net.