Derby experienced historic flooding in 2016. We had so much water around us, the last thing most people were thinking was, “I need to conserve water in my yard landscape.” But if we flashback a few years to 2013, South Central Kansas was in a massive drought, and Derby declared a stage 1 water watch to heighten awareness of water conditions to help maintain the integrity of the city’s water supply. Water conservation should remain on everybody’s minds, especially in our homes and landscaping.

So, what can you do?

Conservation is about making your landscape beautiful and conserving water at the same time. Allowing your yard to stress just a little bit will not only enable you to save water, but also will make your turf healthier in the long run by promoting deep root zones so they can handle drought better.

Another step to take is to remove your high water-using Fescue in favor of more drought-tolerant plants and landscape beds. Supplying these plants with drip irrigation will allow you to pinpoint the water level to the root zone and lose very little to evaporation and non-target applications like the street or your driveway.

So, how can I help you?

For the second year, the City of Derby is offering a Landscape Conversion rebate to homeowners and business owners in Derby who use City water for irrigation. You can apply for the rebate at http://www.derbyks.com/547/Landscape-Conversion-Rebate-Program . I will come view your yard and visit with you about your plans to convert a portion of your Fescue yard to either Xeriscape landscaping or mulched planting beds with drip irrigation.

To get ideas on locally-available, low-water use plants you can use in your own landscape, visit the educational garden at the Derby Welcome Center at 611 N. Mulberry (between the Senior Center and City Hall).

Depending on how much of your yard you want to convert, you can receive $1 per square foot, up to $1,000 from the City for helping conserve water! Not only will you help the environment, you could also reduce your water bill and have some money left in your pocket.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact me at 788-0301 (M-F,
7 a.m.-4 p.m.) or email me at michaelday@derbyweb.com. I’m here to help!

Michael Day
Parks Superintendent