From Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities

March/April 2002

A Stormwater Project in the Making

Thomsonson-Mathis Retention
Pond & Spring Hill Park 
The Volusia County Stormwater Utility, in partnership with Leisure Services, is planning a project in the Spring Hill area, near Beresford Rd. and Adelle Ave. This project involves the expansion of an existing retention area to provide more flood protection, treatment of polluted stormwater runoff, and improved landscaping, such as trees, shrubs, and Bermuda grasses. The new facility will also include public park amenities, such as walking paths, playground, and picnic area. Construction is expected to begin in May 2002.

Glen Abbey Water Wise Project Update
107 Pineside Drive, Glen Abbey

Before

After

The end of January finalized the planting at 107 Pineside Drive in DeBary. With the help of a landscape architect, the oasis type planting areas consisting of 300+ plants, 60% which are native and 40% non natives, both St. Augustine and Bahia sod, has created a very pleasing yet water wise landscape. Plants used in the project were: Palatka Holly, Yaupon Holly, Crepe Myrtle, Lantana , Wax Myrtle, Coontie, Viburnum, Jasmine, Saw Palmetto, Gulf Muhly grass, Burgandy Loropetalum, Liriope with yellow chrysanthemums rounding out the mixed foliage display. Water usage is scheduled to be monitored, comparing 107 Pineside with another home that was landscaped with what is considered typical landscaping by local developers. The model home will be open to the public after March 21st and Volusia County and the Volusian Water Alliance will have water conservation brochures available in addition to copies of the actual landscape layout there for the taking.

Conservation Corner
Water Conservation $aves Money!

Well, Spring has sprung, and some of us are anxious to get out there and beautify that dead looking lawn. But, before you do, lets go over some water conservation rules. First and most important know your local watering restrictions. Call 254-4490, 423-3359 or 736-5998 to find out for your particular situation. If you have an automated sprinkler system, make sure that it's set on the correct times. Do you have a rain sensor for your automated system? Volusia County works with Volusian Water Alliance to offer free rain sensor workshops throughout the year. Check your sprinkler heads and hose fittings to insure that they are in operable shape. Adjust your blade on the lawn mower to at least three inches high. As you replace dead plants or shrubs, replace with drought tolerant plants found at your local nurseries. If you are looking to do something different this year with the yard, how about some oasis type locations throughout? This will cut down on the need to water if you group your plants based on watering needs. Don’t forget mulch in your planting beds. Mulch keeps the soil moist, requiring less watering. I think you are ready to get that lawn looking as good as new and using a minimal amount of water!

Let’s build a science project. In the newsletter, (July/August 2001,) the water cycle was illustrated. How about we build one ourselves? You will need: a jar, bottle cap or shell of water, soil, sand, small rocks and a small plant.

(illustration)

(example)

(Fill the jar first with small rocks, then sand, and then soil. Then add plants in the soil and place your bottle cap or shell of water in the jar.) Fill jar as in the picture and put the lid on. Put the jar in a sunny place and see how the water cycle works.

Update: Last issue we recommended using dye tablets for testing your toilet for leaks. The use of food coloring will work just as well.

Waterwise Plant of the Month

An evergreen shrub with vine-like stems that form a rounded mound to about 5' high by 6-8' wide. If desired, plumbago can be grown like a vine and allowed to scramble over adjacent supports. The blue flowers are about an inch in diameter and are arranged in cluster that resemble phlox. The leaves are 2" long with a fresh light green color. Full sun. likes light, sandy soil; requires little watering once established. Can withstand some frosts. If killed to the ground, it will recover.

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