Using Flowers as Nature’s Solution to Water Conservation

Flower landscaping in place of turfgrass is the solution to saving water, time, and money

In the realm of commercial landscaping, traditional turfgrass lawns still reign as the go-to for public and private projects. However in recent years, the practice of replacing turfgrass with flowers has steadily gained popularity, not only for the aesthetic appeal but specifically for the positive impact on water conservation and cost reduction.

Irrigation for a Traditional Landscape Application

Water Efficiency through the use of Flowers

Commercial properties often have extensive outdoor spaces of grasses or other plants, and outdoor water use can represent a substantial portion of their overall water consumption. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outdoor water use accounts for about one-third of total household water use on average, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day, which can be even higher for commercial properties. Further, the EPA points out that “as much as 50% of the water we use outdoors is lost due to wind, evaporation, and runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems.”  

One of the most striking advantages of using flowers instead of traditional turf grass is the significantly lower water requirements for many drought-tolerant species. While conventional landscaping often demands ample amounts of water to maintain their lush appearance, flowers are naturally adapted to thrive with less irrigation. The University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources has conducted research on water-wise landscaping, emphasizing its relevance in commercial settings. Their findings indicate that businesses can reduce water use by up to 50% by replacing traditional lawns with low-water-use plants, including flowers. By replacing grass with water-wise flowers, businesses can significantly reduce their water consumption, translating into substantial cost savings over time.