Center for Resource Conservation Xeriscape Display Garden
The word xeriscaping is derived from two Greek words: "xeri" from the Greek word "xeros" for dry; and "scape", meaning a kind of view or scene. Xeriscape is a combination of 7 gardening principles that save water.
Plant Design:
Create an overall cohesive design that is efficient and appropriate to the home owner.
Practical Turf Areas:
Don't over design turf areas; create areas that are useful to the home owner. Limit their size and use grass mixes appropriate to your area.
Plant Selection:
Choose plants that are appropriate to the local climate that have low water needs.
Soil Amendments:
Soil is the foundation of your garden, healthy soil results in healthy plants that are disease resistant, strong and vibrant.
Mulching:
Mulching minimizes evaporation, reduces weed growth and helps control erosion.
Irrigation:
Efficient irrigation can be done either with a hose-end sprinkler or with an automatic sprinkler system. Drip, micro-sprays or bubbler emitters are the most efficient for watering flowers, shrubs and trees if you're using an automatic system. The key is to group plants according to needs and water close to the ground to avoid evaporation.
Proper Maintenance:
All gardens need some amount of maintenance; this is also true of a xeric garden. This includes proper pruning of trees and shrubs, deadheading perennials, mowing lawns at the appropriate height, and controlling pests using integrated pest management methods.
What are the benefits? Lower water bills, Less maintenance, Little or no lawn mowing, Drought tolerant Durable plants, Minimal pest and disease problems, Increased habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other fauna.