The Basics of Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is planting to conserve water. This is done with plants that are native to your particular location. Xeriscaping is not restricting gardens to cacti and desert plants. It is the art of choosing plants, grasses and shrubs native to a particular area. Choosing native plants and using water conservation methods is the core to any xeriscape garden.

What is Native?

A native plant is a plant that originated in a particular area. For example, cacti are native to the American Southwest but they are not native to New York State. Spicebush is native to the south but it will not grow well in the desert or in tropical climates like Key West. A good resource for native plants is your local Cooperative Extension Agency. They usually work closely or are a part of the Department of Agriculture.

Why Use Native Plants?

Native plants have evolved over many years to thrive in a particular area. These plants have more natural disease and drought resistance than non-native species. The root systems of native plants work perfectly with local soil. Very little extra care is required when using native plants.

Water Conservation

Conserving water is a key part of xeriscaping. This does not mean plant desert plants outside of desert areas. Water conservation includes methods such as using rain barrels, choosing groundcovers other than bluegrass, using mulch to prevent water loss from soil, and designing gardens for optimal water use.

Rain barrels can be used in any home or garden. Even apartment and condo dwellers can use a rain barrel if they have access to an uncovered patio or deck. Most rain barrels will attach to a gutter downspout. As the water runs off the roof and into the gutter it will travel down the downspout into the rain barrel. This water is then stored for later use. Using rain barrels conserves precious rain water in drought prone areas and it lowers your water bill.

Eliminating the traditional lawn is another way to conserve water. Xeriscaped yards use low growing ground covers instead of lawns. Many creeping thymes and other ground covers can be walked on without any ill effects to the plants. The benefit of using groundcovers instead of a traditional lawn is that groundcovers do not require watering, they look attractive, you can walk on them, and they do not need to be mowed. Ground covers are very earth friendly and belong in every xeriscape.

Mulching gardens with natural mulch such as shredded wood or compost reduced water evaporation and leaves more water available for the plants. Soil that is covered maintains a constant temperature and takes much longer to dry out. Mulched gardens do not require extra water. In addition, when using biodegradable mulch like wood chips or compost, you are feeding the plants as the mulch starts to decompose.

Garden design is an important consideration in xeriscaping. Locating the garden where the plants will grow best is important. It is also important to make sure that pathways and other areas do not pull moisture away from the garden. For example a gravel or mulched pathway is preferable to concrete or stone paths. Water runs off of hard surfaces and causes erosion. Xeriscaped gardens use stone and concrete sparingly if at all.

Keep in mind when xeriscaping the key is to choose native plants and conserve water and other natural resources. A well thought out xeriscaped landscape will add value and beauty to your home.

Sources:

Xeriscape Gardening