Install a Xeriscape Garden This Year

WHAT IS A XERISCAPE GARDEN?

Xeriscaping is a method of gardening that requires choosing the appropriate plants for the location which can be maintained with little supplemental watering. Derived from the Greek term xeros which means dry, Xeriscape was coined during the 1970’s in Denver, Colorado, to mean water efficient landscaping. Well-designed xeriscapes can be enchanting and beautiful.

ADVANTAGES TO XERISCAPE GARDENING

·         Lower water bills

·         More water available for other uses and other people

·         Less time and work needed for maintenance

·         Little or no lawn mowing

·         Xeriscape plants, along with proper bed design, tend to take full advantage of rainfall

·         When water restrictions are implemented, xeriscape plants tend to survive

·         Increased habitat for native bees, butterflies and other fauna

CONSERVATION IS KEY

During the winter, almost all household water use occurs inside the home. In the summer, lawn watering and other outdoor uses account for 50-80 percent. As much as half of this outdoor use is wasted through poor watering practices. Changing small habits can have huge results.

CONSERVE OUTDOORS

·         Use a soaker hose to water flowerbeds, shrubs and trees more efficiently.

·         Check sprinklers frequently for directional aim and broken heads to prevent watering sidewalks, driveways and streets.

·         Place a rain gauge in an open area to measure rainfall. Only water to make up for what rain you do not receive.

·         Avoid watering on a windy day and only water in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

CONSERVE WITH MULCHES

·         Mulches are typically wood bark chips, wood grindings, pine needles, nut shells, small gravel, cotton seed hulls and shredded landscape clippings.

·         Mulches reduce weed growth, prevent erosion and assist soils in retaining moisture when applied and maintained at appropriate depths of 4-6 inches.

·         Mulches can be used where conditions are not adequate or conducive for growing quality turf or ground cover.

HOW MUCH TO WATER

Saturate soil once to a depth of 4-6 inches determining the depth the water reaches with a soil probe or screwdriver. For maintenance, 1 inch of water per week is usually adequate.