Xeriscaping Is Waterwise Gardening

By Amy Passmore

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What is xeriscaping? You may have heard of xeriscaping as a way of landscaping in dry areas. You may think of xeriscaping as a lot of gray gravel and cactus in a hot desert yard. People call that "zero-scaping." That's not what this article is about.

Xeriscaping is a gardening and landscaping method that reduces water use and maintenance needs by as much as 60%.

Any gardener can use it, in any yard. The result is a beautiful, even lush, landscape.

The Denver Water Board coined the word "xeriscape" in the early 1980s when they created their water conservation program.

Denver Water trademarked the word in 1983. It comes from combining xeros (Greek for "dry") with landscaping.

Thus, it's a water-conservative approach to landscaping. The emphasis is on plants whose growing requirements are appropriate to the local climate. Care is taken to avoid wasting water to excessive evaporation and run-off.

There are seven established xeriscaping principles. Apply these principles to help you achieve a beautiful landscape that will save you water, regardless of where you live. These principles will also save you work in the long run.

Principle One - Sufficient Planning and Design

The first step towards xeriscaping is research. You must plan and design on paper before starting any xeriscape project. You can convert your traditional landscape to a xeriscape in steps lasting several years. There are books on the market devoted to waterwise gardening and xeriscaping that you will want to consult.

Principle Two - Soil Improvements

You will need to test and improve your soil. Add compost and other amendments in areas where you will be planting. This will help your soil retain moisture. Since dry soils tend to become more alkaline over time, you'll need that moisture if you want to grow any acid-loving or acid-neutral plants.

Principle Three - Appropriate Turf Areas

Lawns can use four times as much water as anything else in your landscape. They also require mowing, fertilizing, weeding and other such maintenance. Xeriscaping calls for limited turf areas. You might not want any turf at all in your landscape, or you may just want an oasis where the children can play.

Principle Four - Pick Water-thrifty Plants

Choose plants that require less water. This includes flowers, ground covers, trees and shrubs. Then group together all the plants that have the same water requirements. Using plants that are drought-tolerant because they're native to your area also means less water and maintenance.

Principle Five - Efficient Irrigation

Efficient watering means using devices and practices that do not waste water. Installing underground sprinkling systems, drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses, and timers all save water when used correctly.

Principle Six - Mulching

There are many types of mulch available for you to use instead of ugly gray gravel. Rocks and gravel come in so many sizes and colors that even they can be attractive when used artistically.

Use mulch to reduce moisture loss through evaporation and to inhibit the growth of weeds. Organic mulches such as compost, bark, peat moss, and pine needles can also contribute to the soil as they breakdown. Some will also add some acidity to the soil.

Principle Seven - Appropriate Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your xeriscape garden is important. This means keeping your watering systems working, and watering only when your plants need it (see principle four, above). Keep your weeds in check and reapply mulch if it breaks down.

How Can Xeriscaping Change Your Yard?

Now that you've had a brief introduction to xeriscape gardening, can you think of how it can be applied to your landscape? Do you really need that sweeping green lawn in your front yard? Imagine how a large colorful bed full of day lilies could be a real showstopper on your block. It would break up all that water-thirsty lawn and save you water and lawn maintenance for years to come.

That doesn't sound like a desert landscape, does it? No, and it could just be the start of your conversion to xeriscape gardening.

Parts of this article by Amy Passmore of TheGardeningGuide.com

Ms. Passmore's article, from EzineArticles.com, may be reprinted and freely distributed as long as it is not changed and the author's name and a link to the website accompanies the article.

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