Xeriscaping is Waterwise Gardening

What is xeriscaping? You may have heard of xeriscaping as a way of landscaping in the Southwestern United States. You may picture xeriscaping as a lot of gray gravel and cactus in a hot desert yard. People call that "zero-scaping," and that is not what xeriscaping is. Xeriscaping is a method of gardening and landscaping that will reduce your water use and maintenance requirements by as much as 60 percent. Xeriscaping can be done anywhere by any gardener, and in any yard, with the result being a beautiful, even lush, landscape.

The word "xeriscape" was coined in the early 1980's by the Denver Water Board when creating their water conservation program. Denver Water trademarked the word in 1983. It comes from combining xeros (Greek for "dry") with landscaping. Thus, it is a water-conservative approach to landscaping. Plants whose growing requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid wasting water to evaporation and run-off.

There are seven established xeriscaping principles. Applying these principles will help you achieve a beautiful landscape that will save you water and work in the long run.

Principle One - Planning and Designing

When you take the first step towards xeriscaping you must do your research and plan and design on paper first. 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

As with a traditional landscape you will probably 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.

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 want just want an oasis where the children can play on a swingset.

Principle Four - Pick Water-thrifty Plants

Choose plants that require less water. This includes flowers, ground covers, trees and shrubs. And, group together plants that have the same water requirements. Using plants that are drought-tolerant and native to your area will also require 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, timers and the like are all watersavers when used correctly.

Principle Six - Mulching

There are many types of mulch that can be used instead of ugly gray gravel. Actually rocks, and gravel do come in so many sizes and colors that they can be attractive when used artistically. The reason you use mulch is 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.

Principle Seven - Appropriate Maintenance

The final principle is properly maintaining your xeriscape. This means keeping your watering systems in working order and watering only when needed. Keep your weeds in check and reapply mulch if it breaks down.

Now that you have had a brief introduction to xeriscaping maybe you can 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. Now, that doesn't sound like a desert landscape does it? No, it doesn't, and it could be the start of your conversion to xeriscape gardening.

Article by Amy Passmore for TheGardeningGuide.com

This article may be reprinted and freely distributed as long as it is not changed and the author's name and a "live" link to the website accompanies the article.

---

Working with Landscape Contractors

Having a beautiful and functional landscape is every homeowners dream.... Read More

Choosing the Right Roses for Your Garden

The selection of roses you can grow in your home... Read More

Planting Roses In Your Garden

Roses are an old standby for any garden and one... Read More

Tuscan Garden Design

If you're looking for a beautiful, old world garden style,... Read More

Park Benches - Making the Right Choice

When most people hear the words, "park bench", they envision... Read More

Light Up Your Garden And Brighten Your Life

Extending Your Living SpaceThe garden is fast being considered to... Read More

Five Tips For Garden Sanctuaries

The design of your garden has an amazing affect on... Read More

Lady Bugs Are Your #1 Natural Pest Control

First, this bug has many names. Some of it's names... Read More

Growing Orchids as House Plants

One of the long standing myths that I still hear... Read More

Edgeworthia Chrysantha

Although it is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, the family... Read More

How to Raise House Plants from Seeds Easily

The principal house plants which are easy to raise by... Read More

Planning a Vegetable Garden

It is important when you start to plan a garden,... Read More

Make The Most From Your Vegetable Garden

All your hard work has paid off, and now you... Read More

Hills and Holes: Not Part of Your Landscaping Design?

Do pests 'gopher' your lawn? Chances are, if you have... Read More

Vegetable Growing for Beginners

If you have never grown vegetables before the first thing... Read More

Patios And Garden Pavers

Is your concrete or asphalt driveway an eyesore? Do you... Read More

Getting Started with Garden and Patio Design

The art of managing outdoor space Designing a patio -... Read More

8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running

1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More

Hummingbird Nesting Facts

Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More

How to Grow Bamboo

Bamboo is a mysterious and elusive plant that baffles taxonomists... Read More

Indoor Gardening Tips for Jerry Seinfeld

"I have no plants in my house. They won't live... Read More

How to Grow Snow Peas

Snow peas may have been named because in bright sunlight... Read More

Growing Great Asparagus

I went out to feed the birds this morning -... Read More

How to Choose Between Goldfish and KOI

Many people have asked us over the years "Should I... Read More

How to Create a Zen Garden

When you hear the term "Zen Garden" the picture conjured... Read More

Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of... Read More

Caring For Tropical And Exotic Flowers

Tropical flowers make an exciting change from the more traditional... Read More

Choosing Pond Plants

A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond... Read More

Professional Lawn Watering Techniques - Wireless Sensors for Lawns in Drought Areas

The technnology secrets will help home owners maintain lawns in... Read More

Spring Garden Tips

Gardeners, it's time to put your gardening skills to the... Read More

Spice up Your Garden with Rare Flowering Bulbs

Any experienced gardener knows the secret to a beautiful garden... Read More

The Amazing Hummingbird

Without a doubt, hummingbirds are beautiful and interesting creatures.Those living... Read More

Orchids Plus More Newsletter - December, 2004

Newsletter Name Change?After several of you made suggestions to me... Read More