Xeriscaping

Reduce Your Water bill with Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Xeriscaping is different from natural landscaping, because the emphasis in xeriscaping is on selection of plants for water conservation, not necessarily selecting native plants.

Advantages of Xeriscaping

  • Lowers consumption of water = lower water bill too!
  • Less time and work needed for maintenance effort (no lawns to cut) = More time for the Hammock!
  • Xeriscape plants in appropriate planting design, and soil grading and mulching, take full advantage of rainfall retention.
  • When water restrictions are implemented by municipality or water costs, xeriscape plants will tend to survive and thrive, while more ornamental plants may be unable to adapt.
  • Can be visually more interesting than lawns
xeric-map

Principles of Xeric Gardening

How will you use the space?

  • Plan for pathways, plantings, seating and play areas.
  • Choose native and drought tolerant plants to cut down on watering needs.
  • Hydro-zone – site plants with higher water needs (veggies, roses) together and closer to the water source.
  • Proper planting – prepare a wide space around the base of a plant to allow for roots to spread out horizontally and blend compost/organic matter into soil when needed.
  • Mulch – adding a permeable layer on the surface of the soil keeps roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It also reduces weeds and evaporation.
  • Water efficiently – use soaker hoses and drip systems whenever possible.
  • Limit lawn – a smaller lawn means less mowing, watering, fertilizing & herbicide use.
  • Use permeable hardscaping – materials that allow water to flow through let rainwater soak into the soil instead of going through the sewer system.

Print out the Xeric Map

Print out the Xeric Map with Lists of Xeric Plants

Plants for Xeric Gardening

Dry Zone

Cool Plants for Hot Places – All plants need regular water while rooting into a new location. Once established, these plants need little to no water during summer heat.

Trees

Grasses

Perennials and Herbs

Shrubs