PSA: The City encourages Calgarians to be water-wise and create a YardSmart yard this spring

With Calgary and much of southern Alberta continuing to experience drought conditions, we all need to do our part in our yards and gardens to make every drop count. YardSmart’s online resources and practical advice helps Calgarians establish and maintain yards and gardens that are well-suited to Calgary’s growing conditions and use less water.

YardSmart water conservation tips:

• Water early mornings or later in the evenings.
• Avoid watering when it has rained or if there is rain in the forecast. You can also use a rain barrel to capture and reuse rainwater in your yard.
• Only give plants the water they need.
• Mow less often to keep your grass 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches) high to shade the soil.
• Consider replacing portions of your lawn with garden features that use less water and help absorb rainwater such as rock gardens and low water-use shrubs or groundcover.
• Add rich soil and mulch to reduce evaporation from your soil. 

What kind of plants should I add to my garden this year?

Native wildflowers, perennials, trees and shrubs

Our YardSmart plant lists are great resources for those who want to expand their yards this year. These beautiful, low-maintenance plants are well-suited to Calgary’s current growing conditions and attract local pollinators to your yard. 

Drought conditions are likely to persist in the coming years. Creating a yard that’s fit for Calgary’s climate will help it fare better during future droughts. 

Visit calgary.ca/yardsmart for more information on how you can do your part to conserve water in your yard and garden. Together we can make every drop count.