Xeriscaping, the practice of turning an ordinary yard into a water-saving landscape, has gained in popularity as people become more concerned with global warming and environmental sustainability. By using native and drought-tolerant plants along with rocks and other features for design purposes, xeriscape gardens can still look gorgeous while using less water overall.
At the core of any successful xeriscaping is well-draining soil. Even drought-tolerant plants can suffer in soggy, poorly draining dirt that holds little organic matter. To ensure success with your xeriscaping project, amend your soil before planting to include plenty of compost or organic matter that improves water penetration into the ground, holding moisture longer, reducing supplemental irrigation needs for plants.
Runoff can pollute waterways and oceans with sediment and other pollutants as it floods downstream. To stop this from happening, contour your yard accordingly and build dry streambeds or other features to absorb excess rainwater into the soil instead of polluting our waters with runoff.
Attaining a sustainable landscape begins by selecting only native or adapted plants appropriate to your growing zone and climate. Visit a garden center or nursery near you to help sort through an overwhelming selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees – including brightly-colored perennials with unique shapes; annuals that have bright colours or interesting forms are highly prized as edible additions such as Sapodilla berries from Mexico (sweet treat!), Black walnuts or Jerusalem artichokes can all make wonderful additions!
Reducing water needs in your garden by including drought-tolerant plants like succulents can add color and texture. Plus, unlike grass lawns, they don’t need regular mowing or fertilizers!
When watering your xeriscape, use efficient irrigation systems that send deep-penetrating irrigation deep into the soil, helping reduce evaporation and encourage healthy root development. A drip irrigation system is especially effective, enabling you to customize your schedule based on weather patterns and plant needs.
Once your xeriscape is established, regular maintenance tasks include pruning, mulching and adjusting automatic irrigation systems. Although replacing lush, green grass with xeriscaped gardens takes several growing seasons, its water and cost-saving benefits make the effort worth your while in the end.
When planning a xeriscape project in your own yard, consulting with a landscape professional for advice and assistance can be immensely helpful. They can assist in mapping out how it connects with other outdoor structures like your home; selecting appropriate plants; selecting and installing an irrigation system suitable to each plant type; setting up rain barrels or underground tanks to store rainfall; as well as creating water storage systems like rain barrels for future use – with proper care, xeriscape gardens will remain low maintenance while remaining stunning for years.