Company owner, Polly Vann, is committed to conserving resources. She believes that water is one of the most valuable resources in West Texas. Water shortage issues are discussed routinely in area newspapers, by area conservation groups, and by city leaders. Lake Meredith and White River Lake are setting all time low records daily. In the summer of 2007, the Vann Family began researching ways to reduce their dependence on the Ogallala aquifer, reduce their monthly water demand, and reduce the amount of chlorinated city water used to water the landscape. Their goal was two fold – to conserve water and to save on the energy bill.
The Vann Family began by studying xeriscape principles and researching grass varieties that were adapted to the natural rainfall patterns in the West Texas area. Average monthly rainfall for the localized area is about two inches per month. The internet was an invaluable research tool in helping the Vann Family achieve their goals. They discovered two grass varieties developed by Dr. Dick Auld of Texas Tech University. Texas Tech University in partnership with Frontier Hybrids, Inc. developed a variety of Buffalograss called Turffalo® turfgrass – a top quality grass that conserves water and stays green with about two inches of water per month. Also, Texas Tech University entered a collaborative program with Ivey Gardens Greenhouses to help develop the ‘Shadow Turf’ variety of Zoysiagrass. This program has targeted one grass species native to North America (Buffalograss) as well as a second grass species introduced from Asia (Zoysiagrass). Through collaborative research efforts, Texas Tech has developed a new generation of drought and shade tolerant turfgrass varieties that fill a unique niche market across the Southern United States.
The optimal planting season for Turffalo® turfgrass and Shadow Turf is after the last normal freeze in the spring up until 30 days before the normal freeze date in the fall. Quickest coverage will occur when the soil temperature is above 700F. The Vann Family selected Turffalo® turfgrass for areas of full sun and Shadow Turf for areas as of 50 – 90% shade. Soil preparation activities commenced with scraping the front lawn and side lawn down to the native soil. The front and side lawn were cleared of all grasses, weeds, and shrubs. The yard was treated with glyphosate to eradicate the Bermuda and other hard to kill weeds. A second treatment of glyphosate was required after a four day waiting period. Good quality soil is one of the most important factors for successful lawn establishment. The native soil was tilled and loosely packed in preparation for planting. The Vann Family purchased the grass plugs from Holland Gardens. Once the soil was prepared, plugs were planted about twelve inches apart. Turffalo® turfgrass will achieve full coverage in approximately 40 days. Shadow Turf is a slower growing variety and has a much slower coverage time.
The Vann Family achieved ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits from this smartscape project. They are no longer bound by the endless cycle of fertilizing, watering and mowing to sustain a beautiful, green lawn. The turfgrass varieties selected will require mowing about one time per month in the summer months. Natural rainfall patterns should sustain the yard. Turfgrass is non-invasive – so you don’t have to keep it out of your planting beds. Start conserving today by adopting a few xeriscape principles that work for you and your family. The benefits are numerous.
For more information please see:
Holland Gardens:
www.hollandgardens.com
Texas Tech University - Plant & Soil Sciences:
http://www.pssc.ttu.edu/faculty_pages/dauldresearch.php