A well planned xeriscape does not have to "look the part." Sadly, cactus and gravel are a popular icon for the xeriscape approach to gardening. That is unfortunate, and we need to change that.
Xeriscape is not a style, it is a technique.
A xeriscape can be created in any garden style from formal to informal. Just like any garden design, a water wise plan can be massaged and manipulated as needed to suit your personal taste and individual location, to reflect the regional character. It can accommodate a specific type of planting such as roses or a water garden.
Steps to a successful water wise landscape or xeriscape:
1. a well planned design based on needs and site analysis 2. suitable plants by microclimate 3. soil improvement where appropriate 4. deliberate watering by most effective means 5. year round mulch 6. timely routine maintenance to plantings and equipment
To the above typical list, I always add 7. ENJOY!
(For a prescribed sequence in designing and managing the landscape, see Conserving Water in the Landscape.)
Enjoy a lovely setting created with plants that will remain heathy because they are suited to the natural environment. Enjoy that lower water bill!
Enjoy reduced maintenance in that you are watering less and less often, your plants are less prone to stress and consequent problems related to that, and you are even fertilizing less. The icing on the cake is that this overall approach not only saves water but also contributes to improved water quality. Did I mention your landscape will look good, too?
Xeriscape or water-wise gardening or water conserving landscaping is really just a big word for using common sense. In today's reality of increased population and increased pressure on the water supply, it is especially important to think ahead about water usage when planning your landscape. This is true no matter where you live and the benefits of this type of landscaping reach far beyond the obvious reduction in supplemental water use.
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