"Xeric to the Max"

Albuqerque's Xeriscaping(TM) Program

In previous columns I've mentioned the civic programs of Xeriscaping(TM), particularly those of the City of Albuquerque, NM. I intend to follow a similar, but slightly different program of xeric landscaping, a program I call "Xeric to the Max."

The seven principles of the City of Albuquerque's Xeriscaping program are:

1. Plan and design your yard and home. Put higher-water use plants together and keep those away from plants which use less water. Put your higher water use plants closer to your house and on the cooler northern and eastern sides of your home. Use rainwater collection systems to divert water to needed areas.

2. Get a good soil analysis so you know the needs of your plants and how well your plants fit your landscape. Compost is a great additive where you want to increase your soil's ability to hold water, but compost isn't necessary or useful for many native plants.

3. Design and put in appropriate turf areas. Grass lawns are a tremendous water waster. Kentucky bluegrass requires 40" of water a year. In some parts of New Mexico we only get 8" of rain and snow for the whole year. If we put in blue gramma or buffalograss we can sometimes get by in a summer by adding only 2" of water. Also, a lot of us really haven't thought about what purpose our lawns serve. If they're just there drinking water, they need to be replaced.

4. Use appropriate plants. One thing that is guaranteed is that native plants work well in every location! They thrive in the area, which means they thrive on the area's natural rain and snow. Moreover, they give your house it's own special look.

5. Efficient irrigation. You can save a lot of water by watering your lawn for a few minutes, then turning your water off for the same amount of time, and then watering your lawn again. This technique allows the first water to reach the roots. The second watering drives the water deeper into the soil.

6. Mulch! Mulching cools the soil, reduces weeds, slows erosion, and minimizes evaporation.

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