FAQ: Landscaping Water Usage

Q. I’ve noticed how beautiful the Wake Forestgardens are, but isn’t all that landscaping water intensive, particularly during the summer when the flowers are in bloom and water is at a premium?

A. Though landscaping, particularly on a large scale like at the university, required a lot of input, there are many simple ways to minimize the amount of water needed throughout the life-cycle of the gardens. According to David Davis, Manager of Landscaping Services at the University, plans for water use reduction begin in the design phase and extend throughout the life of the plant. From plant selection for particular locations on campus to planting schedules and water wise practices such as “spot watering,” the university’s landscaping department tries to minimize their water use while maximizing the beauty of the grounds.
For more information on the university’s landscaping water-saving practices, read Davis’ interview here.