Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that conserves water by using plants that are native and adaptive to the area. This way water can be used sparingly because the area will require less irrigation to maintain the plants.
The Xeriscape concept was developed in the 1980s by a team of Colorado landscapers and water providers as a part of a campaign to encourage water conservation through creative landscaping.
For most of the country, more than half of residential water use goes to lawns and landscaping, so there are significant savings opportunities – from both conservation and financial standpoints. Xeriscaping can cut landscape water use by 70 % or more, according to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension agents.
How can we help conserve water and soil? We can help by finding out which plants grow well in our yards. Plants should be chosen that are native to within a 50-mile radius of your home. Native plant societies, water districts, and university extension departments often keep such lists. Xeriscaping also includes creating an efficient irrigation system, improving soil quality, and mulching. Another trick to a successful xeriscape is grouping together plants with similar water needs. For example, group plants by water requirements. Those with moderate watering requirements should be in one group and plants with mild watering requirements in another group. Xeriscaping does not mean “no maintenance” landscape. You must maintain your yard so weeds do not take over and defeat the purpose.
A well-planned and properly maintained xeriscape requires less work and saves water for everyone. They can also reduce maintenance costs by up to 60%.
Today most states have xeriscape projects. Xeriscape landscaping is based on climate, so there is a great variation: For example, a xeriscape project in upstate New York may include bee balms, sun-flowers, tulips, and daffodils. A project in Nevada may include irises, corn-flowers, yarrows, and catchflies because
The Xeriscape concept was developed in the 1980s by a team of Colorado landscapers and water providers as a part of a campaign to encourage water conservation through creative landscaping.
For most of the country, more than half of residential water use goes to lawns and landscaping, so there are significant savings opportunities – from both conservation and financial standpoints. Xeriscaping can cut landscape water use by 70 % or more, according to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension agents.
How can we help conserve water and soil? We can help by finding out which plants grow well in our yards. Plants should be chosen that are native to within a 50-mile radius of your home. Native plant societies, water districts, and university extension departments often keep such lists. Xeriscaping also includes creating an efficient irrigation system, improving soil quality, and mulching. Another trick to a successful xeriscape is grouping together plants with similar water needs. For example, group plants by water requirements. Those with moderate watering requirements should be in one group and plants with mild watering requirements in another group. Xeriscaping does not mean “no maintenance” landscape. You must maintain your yard so weeds do not take over and defeat the purpose.
A well-planned and properly maintained xeriscape requires less work and saves water for everyone. They can also reduce maintenance costs by up to 60%.
Today most states have xeriscape projects. Xeriscape landscaping is based on climate, so there is a great variation: For example, a xeriscape project in upstate New York may include bee balms, sun-flowers, tulips, and daffodils. A project in Nevada may include irises, corn-flowers, yarrows, and catchflies because