Can You Say Xeriscape?
Whether you want to cut back water consumption for conservation’s sake, save money with a lower water bill, or spend less time on lawn and garden maintenance, think xeriscaping (also known as drought-tolerant landscaping and smart scaping).
The Denver Water Department original coined the term (pronounced “zer-i-scape”) by combining the word “landscaping” with “xeros” (the Greek word for “dry”). The goal is to create beautiful landscaping that requires little irrigation beyond what Mother Nature provides. This method, which incorporates drought-tolerant plants (native and exotic), can reduce your landscape water use by 60 percent or more (which is key in months when many cities implement water restrictions).
Thinking about xeriscaping? Keep these pointers in mind:
• Select the right plants. Finding drought-tolerant plants is important, but it’s not the only criteria. Select plants that are best suited to the soil, light and moisture levels, and temperature fluctuations. Sometimes this means non-native plants are better suited for your garden than native ones.
• Establish zones. Hydrozoning—grouping plants with similar microclimate, soil, and water needs together—is important. When xeriscaping, you’ll likely divide the landscape into three water-use zones: high-use zones require regular water, moderate zones need occasional watering, and low-water zones get by on natural rainfall alone. Including mostly low water-use zones in your landscape conserves the most water. (Fortunately, this doesn’t mean your only options are cacti—many woody ornamental trees and shrubs, turfgrasses, herbaceous perennials, and even some annuals thrive in low water-use zones.)
• Limit your lawn. Consider whether materials that require little or no water (such as groundcovers or hard paving materials) can replace turf. If you (or your kids) just can’t stand the thought of not having a lawn, opt for drought-tolerant turfgrass species in limited areas. Then fill in the rest of your landscape with the aforementioned low-maintenance groundcovers or ornamental plants.
• Be smart about water use. Not all forms of irrigation are created equal. It’s important to create irrigation system zones too. Low water-use zones may require supplemental water during establishment (typically the first 8 to 10 weeks); after that, they can survive on rainwater. In moderate water-use zones, a soaker hose or hand watering may suffice when rain is infrequent. High water-use areas benefit from more permanent systems, such as drip irrigation or sprinklers set up with automatic controls. When you water is important too—irrigate between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. whenever possible, because less wind and lower temperatures during this time minimize how much water evaporates. (Exceptions: Water from drip irrigation systems won’t evaporate like water from sprinklers, so they can be used anytime of day. And in the spring, it’s better to water early in the morning. If too much moisture remains on plants overnight from nighttime watering, you may be faced with unwelcome fungus growth.)
Today, xeriscape programs exist in more than 40 states. The National Xeriscape Council, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, provides an incredibly comprehensive guide on xeriscaping, complete with charts and diagrams.
A landscape professional can help you design and implement a xeriscaping plan, but if you’re the DIY type there are plenty of general and region-specific books and websites available. Live in the Southwest? Click here. Or for more great advice on xeriscaping, whether you live in Colorado or not, visit Xeriscape™ Colorado.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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