After such extreme temperatures and drought over last summer, everyone is searching for plants that not only require less attention, but less water. Just planting cactus and other succulents isn’t the key, but Xeriscaping is. So, let’s learn exactly what this fun to say word is really about.
Xeriscape translates to dry landscape. That is somewhat deceiving as it is not about dry landscaping at all, but gardening efficiently. When we use proper techniques to landscape and garden, we actually save money, time, energy and water over the life of the garden. So…let’s learn. The basic principles of Xeriscaping are:
- Planning
- Soil preparation
- Reducing turf areas
- Plant selection
- Proper irrigation
- Mulching
In planning, group plants according to their water and lighting needs. Place taller plants in back areas with shorter growing ones in the front. Remember, it is better to water plants infrequently, yet deeper than to water lightly and often.
Some of the links below will offer you some wonderful plant varieties that are low maintenance and perfect for Xeriscaping. Here are some of my favorites: rosemary, sage, oregano, lavender, chives, thyme, Russian sage, yarrow, salvia, lamb’s ear, gaillardia, junipers, spiraea, lilac, daylily, honeysuckle, sedum, ameria, vitex, hibiscus (althea, rose of Sharon), Siberian peashrub (caragana) and ornamental grasses. One thing about ornamental grasses is that during their first year in the ground, they do need watering regularly. After establishing their root system, they become almost drought tolerant.
Mulch should be applied in late spring/early summer to help keep the ground cool and moist. Good choices for mulch are shredded bark mulch, pine needles (although be careful with this one as mold can build up underneath), straw, and even aged compost. Any type of rock, including lava stones, should only be used in shaded areas. Using rocks as mulch in sunny to partially sunny areas will result in too much heat build up and often kills the plants.
The links below have been in my favorites for a long time. I refer back to them all the time and I want to share all of the information on Xeriscaping that they offer. They are filled with wonderful ideas that will help new and old gardeners alike to create more efficient outdoor spaces in their own little corner of the world.
Until next week……….. Cheryl
http://www.xeriscape.org/whatis.html (Colorado Water Wise Council)
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/07228.html (How to)
http://www.denverwater.org/cons_xeriscape/xeriscape/garden2002.html (bedding plans)
http://www.denverwater.org/cons_xeriscape/xeriscape/photos.html (before & after pics)
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/xeriscape/xeriscape.html (How to)
http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/B1073.htm (How to)
http://www.xeriscape.org/ (great pathway picture)
