Forget the AstroTurf – xeriscaping is gaining popularity as a way to have a beautiful garden without the maintenance and expense of traditional landscaping. Most landscaping methods use up a lot of extra resources, but the beauty of xeriscaping is that it’s sustainable well into the future. A stunning xeriscape garden will not only turn heads — it’ll save you water, money, and time. Read on to learn more about this low-maintenance approach to gardening.
What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is landscaping that focuses on hot, dry climates where very little water, or irrigation, is available — but it can be done anywhere. Xeriscaping involves the cultivation of “xerophytes,” which are slow-growing plants that thrive without much water. Cacti and succulents are the most well-known xerophytes, but there are plenty of these hardy plants to choose from.
Benefits of a Xeric Garden
Whether you live in the high desert or you’re just looking to cut back on your water bill, here are some of the biggest benefits to having a xeric garden.
It’s better for the environment. Xeriscapes are a great way to do your part in off-setting climate change. Xeriscaping reduces pollution by eliminating the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and excess mowing. Many xerophytes even attract endangered pollinators into your garden.
You’ll use less water. This is perhaps the biggest benefit to having a water-wise garden. Water conservation is incredibly important, and traditional gardening methods are notorious for using up tons of water. Choosing plants that are hardy and drought-resistant will significantly cut down on your water bill and help conserve our precious water supply.
It’s easy to maintain. A drought-resistant garden is loved for its ease of care. Xeriscapes require less water, which means less time spent outside with the hose. Xerophytes also tend to grow more slowly than other plants, which means pruning and trimming are only rarely necessary.
Planning Your Xeric Garden
If you’re ready to start planning out your xeric garden, you’ve come to the right place. You don’t have to completely redo your lawn in order to have a xeriscape — nor is it necessary to live in an arid climate. Xeriscaping can work anywhere and with whatever amount of space you’ve got. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Drought-resistant vs. drought-tolerant plants. These may sound interchangeable, but there’s quite a big difference between drought-resistant plants and drought-tolerant plants. Drought-resistant plants, such as cacti, are able to survive in a near-constant state of drought. Drought-tolerant plants are hardy enough to survive periods of drought, but they do require some water in order to live.
The best location. Consider how you want to use your yard, and don’t get overwhelmed by thinking you need to tear up your whole lawn. Which parts of your lawn are used the least? These areas are prime candidates for growing a few water-wise plants.
Plan water zones. Plan your garden so that the plants are grouped together by how thirsty they are. This reduces maintenance and cuts down on how much water you use.
- Zone One (Oasis Zone): The oasis zone has the most water-dependent plants and requires more maintenance than other zones.
- Zone Two (Transition Zone): The transition zone requires less watering and maintenance than the oasis zone but has more needs than the xeric zone.
- Zone Three (Xeric Zone): The xeric zone requires very little water and maintenance.
Remove the lawn. So you’re planning on converting your entire lawn into a xeriscape? Wonderful! You’ll need to start by replacing the grass with either mulch, rocks, gravel, or a combination of the three. These materials are great for stopping weeds, preventing water evaporation, and reducing overall maintenance.
Choose region-appropriate plants. Part of what makes xeriscaping so environmentally friendly is the use of native plants. Start by finding out which plants are indigenous to your region, then check how drought-resistant those plants are. Native plants require the least care and are sure to thrive in your area.
Irrigation considerations. If you’re just starting out with a xeric garden, you might have to put in a little more effort in the beginning to get your garden going and growing. Many newly planted xerophytes require regular watering for the first few months while they get established in the soil. Consider installing a drip irrigation system, which is an efficient way to get water directly to your desert plants with very little water loss along the way.
Test your soil. A xeriscaped garden doesn’t need much, but what it does need is good soil. Good soil holds water well, provides nutrients, and has proper aeration that allows water to reach deep roots. If you’re unsure of your soil quality, get it tested before moving forward with your xeriscape garden.
Maintaining Your Xeriscape
Keep your xeriscape garden strong with these maintenance tips:
Mulch, and keep it mulched. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, slow down moisture evaporation, prevent roots from overheating, and stops weeds from growing. Choose an organic mulch like pine straw or pine bark, because they’re good at retaining moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants.
Mow properly. If you still have grass that needs mowing, never cut more than one-third of it at a time and always leave the clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil and encourage growth.
Weed regularly. Weeds act as little thieves, stealing vital nutrients and water from your plants. Clip them regularly to keep your garden healthy.
Fertilize yearly. Fertilize your garden with compost or organic fertilizer to boost nutrients and improve soil texture.
Prune each winter. Pruning helps your plants grow. Prune them in the winter while they’re dormant before the weather gets hot again. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as excessive pruning can harm your plants.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to garden, consider switching over to the singular beauty of xeriscaping. Give Mother Nature — and yourself — a break by filling your garden with water-wise desert plants that cut down on maintenance and water usage.