| XERISCAPE! What exactly AM I talking about?
For the uninitiated, xeriscape is the term used for water conserving landscaping.
There are 7 basic principles to xeriscape landscaping and this month's Living
Lightly will give you the basics and provide a few websites where you can "harvest"
further information. Next month, we will offer more information on water conservation
as we head into the hot dry months of summer. But for now, pick up your pencil
and sketch paper and begin an adventure into gardening that ultimately could reduce
your water consumption by up to 75%. 7
Principles of Xeriscape |
 | 1. PLAN AHEAD: Make a sketch of the property
including the house, walkways and drive. Make notes on what gets sun and/or shade.
Plan your design based on how your property is used. Need grassy play areas for
kids, trees to shade the house to conserve energy, areas for entertaining? Put
those ideas in! The next aspect to consider is the watering needs of the areas.
An important step in xeriscape landscape is to group plants with similar water
needs together. Grouping them allows for less wasted water than garden designs
that scatter plantings. A typical design calls for plants with the highest water
needs be planted closest to the house and those farthest away using the least.
You've made less work for yourself already just by not having to drag that hose
to the end of the lot line!! |
 | 2. IMPROVE SOIL: If sandy conditions apply,
the soil must be watered and fertilized often as it has low moisture and nutrient
holding capabilities. These soils are highly subject to water and wind erosion.
If clay soil is prevalent, water needs are lessened to the point of being a disadvantage.
The plants become water logged and oxygen deficient. The answer to both these
situations is by adding in organic matter. This can be compost, manure or peat
moss. Be sure to mix in the matter thoroughly to attain the desired consistency
of the soil. |
 | 3.
EFFICIENT IRRIGATION: As was said, grouping your plants according to water needs
greatly increases your efficiency in watering. Additional things to be aware of
include times to water (late evening or early morning to reduce loss by evaporation)
and the type of watering system used. It has been shown that sprinklers which
throw large drops of water are more efficient than those using a mist. Short watering
periods are also preferable to long soakings as the soil can absorb only so much
at a time and the rest becomes run-off. |
 | 4.
RETHINK TURF AREAS: Use turf only in high traffic areas or play areas. Bluegrass
typically requires 25 - 30 inches of water per growing season. If you are planning
on grass seeding areas of your lawn, group the areas together so efficient watering
can take place. |
 | 5.
USE APPROPRIATE PLANTS: By visiting the xeriscape websites listed below or by
speaking with nursery personnel, you will get a very clear picture of which plants
will work well in your design. There is a place for almost any type of plant as
long as they are grouped by their water needs. Keep in mind that when adding new/young
plants to your design, their water needs will be higher than once they have become
established plants. |
 | 6.
MULCH: Organic mulch does much for a garden area. Initially they hold in moisture
and keep the ground from becoming parched. As they decay they help feed the soil
and maintain it's composition. These mulches need to be applied at a depth of
3 - 4 inches and replaced every so often. Inorganic mulch such as gravel and sand
can actually create a hotter, drier climate in the garden. |
 | 7.MAINTENANCE:
Maintenance is required as it is in any landscaped area. We've already reduced
our water usage and now, over time, using your xeriscape design will decrease
the needs for fertilizers, and other chemicals. |
| General Xeriscape Websites: Till next
month: Happy Gardening! "I want to
make sure everybody knows the score. About using less, doing so much more."
John Denver �Return
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