By: Nikki Phipps
Xeriscaping is the process of choosing plants which are compatible with the water conditions of a given area. Applying xeriscape principles to the landscape not only cuts down on water usage but allows you to still enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance yard and garden. Xeriscaping is not difficult or expensive. In fact, a properly designed xeriscape requires less maintenance than the average landscape and uses up to 40-50 percent less water. Although xeriscape designs may vary depending on where you are located, all of them still implement the same basic principles.
Choosing xeriscaping plants
Consider your plant choices carefully. Xeriscaping begins with the appropriate selection and arrangement of plants. This may require some research but will be well worth it later. Choosing plants that are native to your particular region such as wildflowers, native shrubs and trees is always a good idea; however, there are numerous drought-tolerant plants that you can also implement into the xeriscape that will look just as lovely.
Choose plants that are compatible with the type of exposure they will receive. For instance, on northern-facing sides of the xeriscape, choose plants that tolerate shade. Grouping plants according to their water use and exposure is an important part of xeriscaping in order to not only reduce water usage but to create a more natural-looking and functional landscape.
Designing the xeriscape landscape
Design the xeriscape according to water usage and irrigate efficiently thereafter. In any well-designed xeriscape, plants should be grouped according to their specific water requirements. For instance, you may have plants requiring a lot of water, such as most vegetables, verses those requiring low to moderate watering. Grouping plants with similar watering needs allows them to be watered on an as needed basis with less water waste. By planting high-water-use plants separate from low-water-use plants you can regulate watering needs more easily.
To further decrease the need for watering, these plants may also be sheltered from wind exposure and located in areas with less sunlight. By providing water in moderation and only to areas of the landscape requiring moisture, excessive plant and weed growth can be avoided.
Plants also appreciate infrequent deep watering over more frequent shallow watering. Using drip irrigation or soaker hoses is the best way to apply water. These methods use up only a fraction of the water put out by overhead sprinkler systems, which lose as much as 50 percent of water to evaporation.
Limiting lawns
Limit lawn areas in the xeriscape, if possible. Existing lawns may be reduced and new lawns may implement one of the many alternative types of turf, to include native grasses, which are less demanding of water. More drought-tolerant grasses such as the tall fescues, crested wheatgrass, or Canadian bluegrass can be used successfully to create lawns or as a groundcover for larger areas.
Xeriscaping is simply a better alternative to water-hungry lawns, especially in areas where arid summers are typical. Not only do these landscapes survive with significantly less irrigation, they harmonize with the natural landscape.
Soil for xeriscaping
Maintain healthy soil. Soil amended with compost retains water better, drains easier, and provides additional nutrients as well. In addition, healthy soils promote vigorous plants that are more able to withstand drought or disease by enticing them to set deeper roots.
Greater water savings can be achieved through use of mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, or other types of organic mulches. These will not only create texture in the landscape, but organic mulches decay, adding nutrients to the soil. Properly mulching an area also lowers the soil temperature and decreases the loss of moisture due to evaporation and will discourage weeds as well.
If you follow these basic xeriscape principles, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the beautiful, water-efficient lawn and garden of your dreams.
