Xeriscaping literally means "dry" landscaping. This form of landscaping is designed to use plants that are not overly reliant on water. Also, conservation of water resources, these days, is of the utmost importance when one takes climate-change into consideration. Xeriscaping, being a more efficient use of water to take care of your garden, has become popular in areas that are naturally dry and areas that are prone to drought (Australia being one example). In America, much of the land west of the Rocky Mountains is considered semi-arid, prone to drought and therefore, a good area to consider applying xeriscape principles, rather than continuing to struggle with the the european design. By applying the principles of xeriscaping, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful landscape without running up enormous water bills or spending a great deal of time, trying to prevent your garden from turning up its toes due to lack of water. Xeriscape systems generally use 50 to 75 percent less water than traditional european style gardens.
Some common plants used in Western xeriscaping are Agave, Cactus, Lavender, Juniper, Sedum and Thyme. These types of plants are highly water efficient and make interesting landscapes. Cacti come in an endless variety and their blooms are quite beautiful, too. If you have young children, it is a good idea to choose cacti without spines. There are many cacti that do not have sharp spines, also there are plenty similar plants, called succulents, that are great for xeriscaping. Agave, Lavender, Juniper, Sedum and Thyme, all have numerous species, thereby allowing the choice between the different leaf shapes and colours, also the different flower styles.
There is a surprising number of varieties of annual flowering plants also, zinnias, cosmos and marigolds come readily to mind. Ornamental grasses should not be overlooked, either. These days, with hybridisation, there is a large range of different styles and colours to choose from.
Perennials, be they forming dormant rhizomes or bulbs in the worst part of the year, offers the added excitement of seemingly bursting from nowhere in spring, or after a rain, and literally growing out of the rocks. The utilisation of plants native to your area, is always a good idea as these plants have a proven track-record, by the mere fact that they are indeed there. Many of these indigenous species have a beauty all of their own.
Rock gardens really come into their own, with xeriscape landscaping. To begin with, rocks, of all shapes and sizes, create a perpetual mulch. Large feature pieces, will hold a fair amount of moisture underneath themselves for quite some time. This "moisture-bank" can be tapped into by the larger plants, or shrubs, in your xeriscape garden when the times get really tough. Blanket mulching, with river stones and pebbles, provided they are to the depth of at least 6 inches, will retain far more moisture, for far longer, than traditional mulches - with the added bonus of not having to be replaced each season. Interspersing flowers, ornamental grasses, small shrubs and groundcovers, between the rocks can be a stunning effect.
Generally, with xeriscape gardens, the idea of a lawn, has tended to be "a piece of lawn". By this I mean a small area, or handkerchief-lawn, no more than about 5 feet square. The reasoning behind this is for those who "really must" have a lawn, without having the enormous expense of water, a small, feature lawn is better than none. Done sensibly, when this feature is framed by large feature rocks as a backdrop, the resulting ampitheatre is stunning. In recent years, there has been some marvelous development with the production of dry-land lawns and drought hardy-lawns. St. Augustine-grass and bermuda-grass are most often used for lawns in places like Texas. Zoysia-grass, buffalo-grass and centipede-grass are used less often but offer much promise for landscape water conservation
Efficient use of water or, watering intelligently, not only utilizes the moisture in the soil better, but also makes your plants stronger and consequently better to withstand drought, insects, and disease. Most watering of gardens is an excercise in futility. A great many people will put on the sprinkler - and forget about it. A great deal of the water is subsequently wasted as the paths and driveways get more than they can handle - this would be better off going to the plants. Many folk also, try to water their entire garden in a given amount of time. This means that although all the garden gets water, it just doesn't get enough. Rather than a little bit everday - plants fair better with a big soaking water, once a week. Some people find that standing there with a garden hose in the hand, too boring; but, if you really care for your garden, this is the best way to go about it. Hand watering not only puts the water where it is actually needed, but more importantly - puts you in touch with your garden and relaxes the mind. It may take more time, but the water will soak into the soil and encourage the roots of your plants (including the grass) to reach down into the soil, chasing the water. Heavy mulches like wood chips will help the soil hold moisture better as well.
Xeriscaping, zeroscaping, smart scaping or hydrozoning, can result in a beautiful garden that also conserves water, saves you money in water costs and you will be able to enjoy healthier, hardier plants. Additionally, you will find that you spend less time on maintenance when you incorporate the principles of xeriscaping.
