WISER PLANTING
“Xeriscape”, from the Greek xeros meaning “dry”, refers to a set of seven principles that define
the concepts of landscaping while incorporating water conservation methods.
Xeriscape gardening is a great way to have hearty plants and bulbs when water is scarce and soil
conditions are challenging. These easy to follow seven principles of Xeriscape will not only provide
you with a beautiful garden, it will save you money on your water utility bill and conserve water for future use!
#1—Planning and Design
Create a site plan outlining the areas that get the most sun or wind, which way the ground slopes, and the intended use of the space.
Zone 1, the Oasis Zone, is the area closest to your home. Planting higher water-use plants here will provide shade and a cooling effect for outdoor living areas such as the patio or entryway.
Zone 2, the Transition Zone, extends beyond the Oasis. Include plants with moderate needs in this area. (ie. Covers, shrubs, some trees.)
Zone 3, the Desert Zone, extends furthest from your house and is considered the most dry, requiring little or no supplemental irrigation. Place your “drought tolerant” plants in this area.
#2—Use Low-water Use and Drought Tolerant Plants
Visit your local nurseries and search out appropriate plants for each area of your Xeriscape. Select a plant palette that not only appeals to you, but is made up of native and arid-adapted specimens.
Note: Remember to group plants with similar watering needs together.
#3—Limited Turf Areas
If you intend to include a lawn as part of your landscape design, remember to size it appropriately for its’ function and make it part of the Oasis Zone. Use lower water-use turf such as buffalo grass, curly mesquite and grama grass. Or, consider a drought-tolerant ground cover such as Calylophus bartwegii or Lantana montevidensis.
#4—Water Harvesting
What’s better than free water? Locate plants where they can take advantage of rain run-off from roofs, gutters and pavement.
Remember to include water harvesting methods such as channeling run-off by contouring your landscape, sloping sidewalks and driveways and constructing berms and holding basins as part of your landscape design. Don’t forget to install gutters and collect roof run-off in a barrel or cistern.
#5—Efficient Irrigation
The most water efficient method is drip-irrigation, which applies water directly to the roots of a plant. You should never apply water faster than the soil can absorb it! Keep in mind the needs of each plant and each stage of
development from infancy to maturity. Many native and arid-adapted plants can be taken off drip-irrigation and provided only with supplemental water during periods of prolonged drought once it is established. Lay out your irrigation system in the initial planning phase and design your planting plan around it. Keep in mind that each zone will have different watering needs and plan to install separate lines and valves to fulfill the needs of each individual zone.
#6—Improved Soil and Mulch
Plants prefer soil with good drainage, so make sure you break up any hidden layers of caliche. Use mulches that will retain moisture, help
control erosion, cut down on weeds and cool the soil, such as decomposed granite, river rock, wood bark, gravel or compost.
#7—Maintenance
Pruning, fertilizing, weeding and pest control is essential to the thriving of any garden, so plan to spend some time outdoors!
Note: Remember to check your irrigation system periodically for leaks and set timers for seasonal fluctuations in rainfall.
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