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Xeriscape Information
Xeriscaping is an environmentally friendly way to “live green”. The increasing demands on water in the arid west makes xeriscaping one of the most practical methods to conserve water. Water wise landscapes can be both beautiful and functional, reflecting the dramatic natural landscapes found in the west. Xeriscaping is not a dry, dull, one size fits all style of garden design; rather it is the technique and art of selecting, grouping and watering plants appropriate to climate and soils. A xeric garden could be as natural and flowing as a “prairie garden” or as geometrical as a formal garden. It is all about the plants you use and how you choose to use them in your design. Xeriscaping includes an understanding of your specific climate, your soils and what plants will thrive within those parameters.
Efficient water use requires finding tactics to create and maintain attractive landscapes without excessive water consumption. In the western United States, more than fifty percent of residential water is used to keep traditional lawns and landscapes green. Xeriscaping can reduce this by up to 60% or more. Xeriscaping does not eliminate lawns, but it does incorporate more native and drought tolerant species of grasses and stresses irrigating them efficiently. Xeriscaping relies on an understanding of the natural environment and a good “sense of place”. Xeriscaping in the Pacific Northwest's wet, rainy, cool ocean climate is different than creating a xeric garden in the arid southwest but they would both use the same principles.
Seven Principles of Xeriscaping
Before lifting a shovel or buying a plant it is best to take a little time and plan your water wise garden. This first step is crucial to creating a beautiful and cohesive garden. Anyone can create a plan. Here are the basic steps to drawing a rewarding design:
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Create a base plan by drawing a simple scaled sketch of the property. Have someone help with measuring the exterior of buildings, existing features such as walkways, driveways, fence or property lines, and trees or shrubs that you want to retain in your final design.
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After making a “wish list” of wanted items for your yard i.e. patio area, vegetable garden, play area, dog run, pond or utility storage area, prioritize your needs and begin a bubble diagram. By using tracing paper over your base map you can re-arrange these and experiment as much as needed. This bubble diagram should include the best views, sun exposure, slopes, and screening for unsightly views, as well as area functions. Remember to hydro-zone areas. Consider the watering needs to be highest nearer the house, this is called an “oasis” zone, then a moderate transition zone a little outside this “oasis” zone, and the lowest water use (most xeric) the farthest out.
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Finalize your design by converting the best ideas from your bubble diagram to a well- defined plan drawn to scale. Identify hardscape details such as pathways, your planting scheme and the irrigation zones on this plan.
Planning your garden can be one of the most rewarding tasks to creating a beautiful and useful garden. Relax, dream and be creative.
Learn More:
Colorado State University Extension - Xeriscaping: Retrofit Your Yard
Colorado State University Extension - Sustainable Landscaping
Colorado State University Extension - Water Wise Landscape Design
Colorado Native Plant Society - Native Plant Gardening
Make sure you understand your existing soils by having a soil test done. Knowing your existing soils characteristics can save money in the long run by helping you choose the correct amendments to add to your soil or which native plants would thrive in your specific soil type. Many xeric plants appreciate incorporated organic matter such as compost while most native plants often need little to no amending. Many labs are available to perform soil tests for the homeowner.
Learn More:
Colorado State University Extension - Soil Amendments
Xeriscaping does not “prohibit” lawns, but rather it advocates using a minimally useful amount of lawn in the landscape. Lawns should always be a practical size and have a purpose.
There are several benefits of creating a smaller turf area:
- Reduces water consumption
- Lowers lawn maintenance
- Less yard waste
- Reduces herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer use
- Reduces air and noise pollution from power equipment
Learn More:
Utah State University Extension - Practical Turf Areas
Colorado State University Extension - Watering Established Lawns
Colorado State University Extension - Renovating the Home Lawn
Colorado State University Extension - Buffalograss Lawns
Colorado State University Extension - Sources of Seed, Sod, and Plugs
Colorado State University Extension - Xeriscape Turf and Alternatives
Plan the irrigation system carefully using hydro-zones by matching plant water requirements with the irrigation zones. Hydro-zoning will provide plants with similar water requirements an area to thrive without overwatering and wasting water. Set your irrigation to run during the coolest part of the day, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to reduce evaporation and do not irrigate under windy conditions. Adjust your irrigation to reflect seasonal temperature and precipitation fluctuations. Inspect the irrigation system as needed to make sure all parts are working correctly.
Native plants may require little to no supplemental watering once they are established, usually after the first or second year. Pueblo usually receives around 11-12 inches of precipitation annually so if you select plants accordingly you may only need to water during severe drought.
Learn More:
SECWCD - Lawn Watering Guide for Southeastern Colorado
Colorado State University Extension - Inspecting and Correcting Turf Irrigation Problems
Colorado State University Extension - Home Sprinkler Systems: Backflow Prevention Devices
Colorado State University Extension - Methods to Schedule Home Lawn Irrigation
Colorado State University Extension - Watering Efficiently
There is a vast variety of water wise plants for the arid west and they become more readily available each year. Consider using many natives plants in your garden. Native plants are best adapted for local soil, water, and climate conditions and have the added benefit of supporting native wildlife and pollinators.
Place trees to conserve energy in your home. Consider Landscaping for Energy Conservation to better understand tree placement. Use shrubs as screening for unsightly views or to block winds, as well as for seasonal interest like spring flowers, fall foliage and winter berries. Group plants with like water needs together.
For example, the most xeric plants located in a low water area, or the moderate water plants grouped together in an oasis area. Always consider the light needs of a plant such as full sun or part shade.
Learn More:
New Mexico State University - Low Water-Use Landscape Plants for the Southwest
Colorado State University Extension - Native Shrubs for Colorado Landscapes
Colorado State University Extension - Xeriscaping: Ground Cover Plants
Colorado State University Extension - Native Herbaceous Perennials for Colorado
Colorado State University Extension - Native Trees for Colorado Landscapes
Plant Select
CSU Plant Database
Mulches are extremely beneficial when applied on top of the soil to help retain moisture and control weeds. Mulch should be applied to the root zone and not mounded up against tree trunks or the base of woody shrubs. Mulches moderate soil temperatures and keep them from fluctuating. Organic mulch such as bark or wood chips breaks down and adds organic matter to soils through micro-organisms and earthworms. Organic mulches will need to be replaced periodically. Organic mulches are lighter and can blow away in windy places. Inorganic mulches such as pea gravel are longer lasting and often more conducive to the growing needs of xeric plants. Mulches can enhance the color and textures in a garden and be a part of the overall design. They should be applied to a depth of 2” and up to 4” maximum.
Learn More:
Colorado State University Extension - Mulches for Home Grounds
Utah State University - Using Mulches
Xeric Garden Club of Albuquerque - What Mulch to Use
Maintaining your xeric garden will keep it healthy and beautiful. If designed properly water wise landscapes can be easy to maintain. Even xeric gardens require some pruning, occasional weeding, pest management, and irrigation system maintenance. Helpful hints:
Learn More:
Water Use It Wisely - Xeriscape Maintenance
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