APES Students

As the school year winds down, I was thinking of ways that we could easily implement some of the ideas and information we learned in APES class, while at the same time providing a valuable community service for the TPHS campus. Given the nature of the drought conditions and water restrictions currently taking place in San Diego Country, the aspects of water-wise garden design, and selecting appropriate plants to grow in San Digo’s unique abiotic climatic conditions are becoming increasingly important. Your job is as follows.

  1. Take a bit of time to browse through some of the links below regarding landscaping utilizing low water use plants, low water use landscape design, California native plants, and xerophytic plants.
  2. Research and list some of the important aspects of low water landscape design.
  3. Research and list some of the changes that can be made to watering programs and irrigation that can help to reduce water use.
  4. Research and list a few adaptations that California native plants or xerophytic (low water use) plants have in general.
  5. Browse through some of the plant list links, and list the top ten plants you would put in your own yard if you were going to put a low water use garden at your house.
  6. If you could plant one plant here at the TPHS campus which one would you choose? Why?
  7. The following class we will utilize our collective initiative, knowledge of native plants, water conservation, and soils science to plant some of the plants in the garden here at Torrey Pines. So, wear shoes appropriate for working outside, and maybe bring some gloves to protect your hands if you have some. Let’s have fun and leave a interesting legacy that students can enjoy next year, and far into the future!

The California Native Plant Society

CuymacaCollege water saving garden

Illustrated plant list of xerophytic plants

San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s plant selection web page.

The 20 Gallon Challenge site from San DiegoCountyWater Authority

The 20 Gallon Challenge Plant List

Las Palitas Native Plant Nursery List

California Native Plant Link Exchange (SD)

Or feel free to search for some other applicable links……

Print out your activity/list when done and submit it to Mr. Bodas