7 Steps to Successful Water Smart Gardening with Xeriscape

7 Steps to Successful Water Smart Gardening with Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping refers to the conservation of water through creative gardening. This type of gardening was originally created primarily for drought stricken areas. Today this type of gardening and planning is for anyone who would like to save water and still have a garden that looks great.

Xeriscapes can be used in residential or commercial settings. Using this type of landscape plan can improve your property while creating a beautiful space with relatively low maintenance.

Using native plants is a large part of the Xeriscaping process. Non-native plants can be invasive and often require more maintenance and water.

Colorado native plants, trees and shrubs that are great for Xeriscaping include:

• Lambs ear
• Lavender
• Poppy mallow
• Honeylocust tree
• Bur oak tree
• Lilac bush
• Apache plume

Why Xeriscape?

• Saves water
• Low maintenance
• Be creative in your garden
• Broad appeal
• Principles can be applied to your entire yard or to part of your garden
• Improves property value
• Uses native plants

Seven Principles of Xeriscaping

1. Planning and Design – Planning the layout of your Xeriscape area is very important. Draw a map or aerial view of your yard depicting where you want to put taller plants, what particular color goes where, what type of plants need the same amount of sun and water (put those plants together).
2. Soil Amendment – You will need to either purchase plants that your soil will accept or prepare your soil to accept the plants you select. Some plants prefer soil with more gravel and some plants prefer no gravel at all. Many plants benefit from soil treated with compost. Compost will help the soil retain more water and therefore you may have to water your new plants less than you would otherwise. If your Xeriscape garden includes mostly cactus and succulents, you will not need to use compost. Be thoughtful about the plants you select and make sure your soil is prepared and ready for your plants.
3. Efficient Irrigation – Creating limited turf areas and grouping together plants with similar needs will save you time, money and water. Group plants together that need about the same amount of sun and precipitation and water these plants together. Turf (grassy) areas should be limited, as they require more water and lots of maintenance. For smaller yards, watering by hand should not be a problem. Avoid sprinklers if you have a variety of plants with different watering needs. Water infrequently and deeply to help grow deeper roots. Never water during the day when sun is warmest. Water during the early morning or evening around sunset to avoid evaporation.
4. Appropriate Plant and Zone Selection – Different areas of your yard receive different amounts of water, wind and sunshine. Plan your design according to the needs of each area. For the most sunny and dry areas of your plan, make sure to select plants that thrive on full sun and not much water. Put more sensitive plants in areas that receive less sun and more water. With this type of planning you will get the maximum benefit from minimal water.
5. Mulch – Mulch comes in two forms: organic and inorganic. Use organic mulch materials such as leaves, pine needles, wood chips or bark for best results. Apply mulch to help reduce water evaporation and improve soil quality. Mulch also reduces soil temperature which helps with water evaporation, protects your soil from wind and helps keep weeds at bay. Mulch can be applied on top of the soil or two to four inches down. Your plants will thank you.
6. Alternative Turf – Plant your turf areas according to your maintenance needs and the look and feel you desire. Native grass options are your best bet. Warm season native grasses, buffalo grass or blue grama, for example, are greenest from June to September and require much less water than bluegrass varieties. Cool season native grasses such as bluegrass and tall fescue are dormant in the heat of summer and are green in spring and fall. Limit the amount of grass you use to save water and save time on maintenance.
7. Maintenance – Any plants require some type of maintenance. Grass requires aeration twice a year and fertilizer every six to eight weeks. When mowing, keep grass at around 3 inches high and let clippings fall to the ground. This will help with water evaporation. Trees and shrubs require occasional pruning for optimal growth. Clippings are great for compost.

If you are interested in having a beautiful outdoor space and saving water--and money on your water bill--consider using a Xeriscape plan. Visit your local garden center for more information on plant selection. Swingle can help you plan the most efficient and beautiful use of your outdoor space.