Recent storms cause problem for drought tolerant plants

Recent rain has refilled reservoirs and replenished ground water, but it’s also created a new problem. The plants people bought to help conserve, don’t like all the extra water. March has been a very wet month. For those who tried to conserve water with drought tolerant plants, all the rain on the Central Coast may have done those plants in.

“Just a plant that saw way too much water. In the case of this bunching bamboo it’s not going to make it,”said Salinas Councilman, and owner of McShane’s Nursery, Steve McShane.

The Central Coast was hit hard by the recent storms and so was Steve McShane’s Nursery. McShane said he had to throw out some of his own plants because the rain water drowned them.

“We’ve seen classic El Nino events in the last few weeks and the amount of rain has stressed some landscapes where drought tolerant plants have been put in situations where maybe the soil or the environment wasn’t right,” said McShane.

McShane said the dry limbs don’t necessarily mean a plant didn’t get enough water. Nursery staff said it’s breaking records for how many plants they have inside it’s “Plant Hospital,” due to over watering.

“This is a cactus and this guy didn’t freeze this was over watered,” said McShane.

California landscapers have evolved to survive the drought by getting rid of lawns, putting in rocks and other drought tolerant plants. Many people didn’t take into account what would happen when the rains return.

“As far as water in our area we are currently in a good situation and it doesn’t look like we are going to be impacted by drought this coming year,” said Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Stephanie Locke.

The Peninsula Water District said because we live in a Mediterranean climate, they still suggest people plant California natives that can handle wet winters and dry summers. McShane said there are ways to help keep plants alive during storm seasons. Make sure your pots have holes at the bottom to let out any extra water, and drop a layer of rocks to help with drainage. If you don’t drain properly landscapers said your beautiful plants could turn to mold.

The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District said the peninsula is technically no longer in a drought because of all the rain. The district said it will continue to meet the state’s 8 percent reduction goal so restrictions will continue.