Center for Resource Conservation Xeriscape Display Garden
What is Xeriscaping?
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.
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.
What are the benefits? Lower water bills,
For More information go to: http://www.xeriscape.org/
*information from Xeriscape Colorado