The 7 Principles of Xeriscape
Draw the borders of your property, the house, garage, driveway, patios, walkways, lawn areas, garden beds, play and utility areas, and trees and shrubs you want to keep. Place a sheet of tracing paper over your map and sketch in your planned improvements. Be sure to note problem areas, water requirements, sun exposure, and the function of each area. The best plan is a well thought out plan. 2. Improve the Soil Good soil is the basis of any successful Xeriscape. Improving the soil with organic amendments will increase water-holding capacity and create more space for deeper root development. The addition of two to three inches of organic matter tilled into the soil at a depth of at least six inches is sufficient. 3. Limit Turf to Practical Sizes or Select Alternatives to Turf By limiting the space you devote to a lawn, you can reduce your water usage and yard maintenance. Consider substituting ground covers or other low water plants in areas where bluegrass is difficult to establish or maintain. Consider using a low-water turf grass, such as buffalo grass, gramma grasses or the fescue grasses. 4. Watering Efficiently With Proper Irrigation Methods Water on windless days, preferably early in the morning. It is best to water deeply and not too often, enabling plants to develop deep root systems. Low-pressure, low angle sprinklers are best used to irrigate turf. Drip, micro-spray, or bubbler emitters are most efficient for watering trees, shrubs, flowers and groundcovers. If using an automatic sprinkler system, adjust the controller regularly to meet seasonal needs and weather conditions and install a rain shut-off device. Even small changes in your watering schedule and habits can reduce water consumption by as much as 20 percent. It is important to know that most "winter kill" in our region is caused, not by cold temperatures, but by lack of winter moisture. Be sure to give your landscape a good soaking during prolonged winter dry spells when the temperature is above freezing. 5. Select Appropriate Plants and Group According to Similar Water Needs By focusing on low water plants, you will be amazed at the huge variety of beautiful plants that thrive in our semi-arid climate. Use a variety of plants of differing heights, colors, and textures to create interest and beauty. Grouping plants according to their water and sunlight requirements ensures that they will flourish in an optimal environment. Many gardeners plan their landscape to accommodate three watering zones: high-water, moderate-water, and low-water zones. 6. Mulch to Reduce Evaporation Mulches cover the soil and are used to conserve soil moisture, reduce weed growth, cool the root zone, slow erosion and create a neat appearance. Organic mulches should be applied in a layer of three to four inches. Organic mulches decompose and improve the soil texture, but they must be replenished. Inorganic mulches like rocks and gravel rarely need replacement and are good in windy spots, but they tend to retain and radiate heat and may be difficult to maintain. Apply inorganic mulches in a two to four inch layer on the soil surface. 7. Proper Maintenance Although Xeriscape gardening can reduce maintenance, no1 landscape is maintenance free. The regular and timely performance of certain chores is essential. Proper planting, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, weeding and irrigation not only cut down on water use, but also ensure plant health and beauty. |
