Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Leads to More Hires in California

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MODESTO, Calif. – Selling drought-resistant plants and shrubs makes for a drought-resistant business, as some area nurseries can attest.

Current water restrictions imposed by the state, cities and water districts are making homeowners rethink their landscaping—but less available water doesn’t mean you have to endure brown grass and dying plants.

Poots Cactus Nursery, which sells only cactus and succulents, has seen such a rise in sales that owners William and Roelyn Poot have been able to add staff. “We’ve been able to have our son (Brian) go full time,” Roelyn Poot said.

Likewise, Cynthia Austin Tanis is designing at least three new yards a week for customers at Morris Nursery in Riverbank. She draws up the plans, including what kind of stone and gravel to use and the kinds of plants that will make for a colorful yard on minimal water. She’s also working to create a contest for drought-resistant yards, hoping agencies including irrigation districts will get on board to encourage participation.

Read more from The Modesto Bee here.