Xeriscape for Water Conservation and Beauty

Proper soil preparation is the foundation of your xeriscape. Healthy soils require less water. Test your soil prior to planting. Your soil type and texture will dictate the varieties of plants you choose for your site and the amendments you need to add to it. Till or turn the soil before planting to reduce compaction. Loosening the soil allows for better root development and percolation of water and air. Add lots and lots of organic matter. This is especially important in the high water use zones. Organic matter like peat moss, manure and compost helps retain soil moisture.

Utilize Turf Areas Efficiently:

Contrary to popular thought, turf plays a significant role in xeriscape. It provides transportation corridors through the landscape, play areas within it, and is an important element in retaining soil and cooling the environment. Consider using drought-tolerant fine-leaved fescues like Hard Fescue and Chewings Fescue. The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service recommends a mix of these two fescues and perennial ryegrass. Fine leafed fescues, once established, need no watering whatsoever. Plan turf areas carefully, taking irrigation needs and the direction of foot traffic into consideration. Think of the landscape as a series of outdoor rooms that you want your guests and family to navigate. Your turf areas should lead them comfortably and easily through your xeriscape.

Irrigation:

Yes, irrigation is utilized in the xeriscape, just not as much as in the traditional landscape. Watering frequency should be based on soil moisture, weekly precipitation and plant/turf conditions. Typically, established landscape plants and turf grass require an inch of water per week. Xeriscape is designed to minimize the need for additional irrigation and lower this weekly requirement. A soil moisture probe, available at most garden centers will tell you how much moisture is left in the soil. You may not need to water for days after a rain.

You can probably avoid watering your hot/dry zone plants completely. Unless you are under extreme drought conditions they shouldn't need it. If you have chosen them wisely they should be tough enough to survive on precipitation alone.

In-ground irrigation systems and overhead sprinklers are frowned upon in xeriscape. If you've designed and implemented it properly your xeriscape won't need these water guzzlers anyhow. Where irrigation is needed utilize low-flow, hose end irrigation. Choose drip or trickle emitters or water by hand. Consider installing a rain barrel to collect roof runoff. A drop or two of baby

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