Creating a Functional Xeriscape

A xeriscape is basically the conservation of water through landscaping. Xeriscaping first became popular in drought-afflicted areas of the country, but has now gained in popularity across the United States because of the concern over water usage and water conservation.

Any landscape can benefit from xeriscaping, and you can certainly benefit from a decline in your water bills.

The benefits of xeriscaping include:

• Saves water – requires up to 75 percent less water than traditional landscaping.
• Less maintenance – Watering, trimming and weeding requirements are lower than traditional landscaping.
• No fertilizers or pesticides – Using native plants and healthy, organic soil eliminates the need to introduce chemicals into a xeriscape.
• Improves property value – A xeriscape is often an attractive feature to potential home buyers, thereby increasing the overall value of your home.
• Provides a wildlife habitat – Using native plants, shrubs and trees provides a great habitat for local wildlife.

If you decide that a xeriscape is right for you, the following tips will have you well on your way to creating your own, backyard oasis!

• Use graph paper to plan your xeriscape design. Orient your graph by marking north, south, east and west (this will help in selecting plants for different areas of sun exposure) and denote any walkways, fences, trees, etc. on your plan.
• Take note of the areas of sun and shade in your yard and mark these accordingly on your graph.
• Study the natural contours and drainage patterns of your terrain. This will determine which plants will go into which zones (i.e. plants with low-watering needs and plants with higher-watering needs).
• Get the soil tested at your local nursery to determine the nutrient content of your soil. Increasing the organic material in your soil (your local garden center or nursery can guide you on which organic materials to add) will keep your soil well aerated and free of any chemicals.
• Create limited turf areas to cut down on maintenance. Use the turf areas for function and visual appeal, and consider replacing your existing turf with drought-resistant turf to cut down on watering needs.
• Choose plants that like more moisture along the north and east-facing slopes of your xeriscape.
• Do not mix plants with different watering needs in the same area. Called hydrozoning, this process cuts down on the amount of watering your xeriscape will require.
• Use trees to reduce soil temperature and evaporation, by blocking wind and shading the soil.  Ideal plants for your xeriscape may include: agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum and thyme.
• Use a generous amount of mulch around your xeriscape plants to prevent erosion, maintain soil moisture and block out weeds. Good, organic mulches include leaves, coarse compost, pine needles, wood chips, bark and gravel.
• Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation to water your xeriscape. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of the plant and delivers it at a slower rate, thereby encouraging root absorption.
• With some creativity, you can create a beautiful landscaping element in your home -- and save water and protect the environment too!