Maintenance, Modifications, and Water Use in Private Gardens of Alt Empordà, Spain
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Water scarcity in developed countries along the Mediterranean coast may
be aggravated in the near future due to rising water demand. The recent growth of
low-density urban developments in these regions has led to an increase in the
number of private domestic gardens. These particular landscapes may account for
a large proportion of total domestic water use. This article examines the features and
management practices of private gardens in relation to their relative water requirements.
To calculate this variable, we use a method based on the relative water
needs of garden species and the area of vegetation cover. In addition, transformations
in the layouts of the gardens over the last 5 years, as well as various
expected changes, are assessed. In total, 258 domestic gardens along the coast of
Catalonia were investigated and their owners interviewed. A list of all plants
growing in the gardens was recorded. The results indicate that the presence of turf is
related to professional landscaping design, property age, and swimming pool
presence. Moreover, gardens with greater landscape water requirements have more
efficient watering systems. We present a progressive strategy for garden restructuring
that may reduce water use while increasing the number of orchards and fruit
trees
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