Xeriscape: Help With Water Conservation

Xeriscaping, or xeroscaping, is the practice of designing landscapes to minimize the use of water and being more aware of the needs of the environment.

Peter Ross - November 2009

Every year more gardeners are turning their attention to Xeriscaping as a responsible way to manage their garden environment. With a practice that started in Colorado, it is now being adopted in every state in the nation.

What is Xeriscaping?

The word Xeriscaping derives from the Greek ‘Xeros” meaning dry and ‘scaping’ from landscaping. The principle is to use as little water as possible in maintaining a healthy landscape. It does not mean using no water, but rather using water sensibly to assist with conservation.

The main points to observe in setting up a Xeriscape are the proper preparation of the soil, plantings with suitable trees, shrubs, grasses and plants, and watering with care.

How is the soil best prepared to conserve water?

Any soil that is hard and compacted is going to cause problems with run-off and puddling, particularly when trying to deal with storm water. So the first objective in Xeriscaping is to use amendments to improve the soil. A good friable soil will retain water longer, as well as allowing it to drain better. That also aids with plant growth as it reduces the shallow rooting that is often the result of intermittent, light watering.

Adding compost, organic mulches and other amendments to the soil every year will help to improve it and maintain it in a healthy state. Heavy clay soils will need particular attention as they are the worst type for water to penetrate.

Is Xeriscaping only for dry desert areas?

Although Xeriscaping is primarily used in the drier areas of the country, water conservation should be a concern to everyone. The increasing occurrence of droughts even in areas where it historically has not been a problem, is bringing home the idea that we need to exercise care in using water...wherever we live.

Having soil in good condition is the biggest factor in this, but next to that is selecting plants that are suitable for the region and don’t require excessive watering to keep them healthy. A local nursery can give advice on the best plants for any given area.

Another major factor in water consumption is the huge areas of grassed lawns seen in almost every sub-division. A good start to Xeriscaping is to take a fresh look at just how much grass you really need. Cutting back the lawn to replace it with flower beds, shrubs and trees not only helps to reduce the need for watering, but also makes a welcome change from the monotony of acres of cut grass.

As our climate appears to continue to get warmer, Xeriscaping is going to become more popular throughout the country. Rather than waiting for the inevitable, start thinking now about how you can reduce your water consumption and help with the conservation of the environment.

Blue Ridge Landscape & Design is a professional landscaping company based in Winchester, VA. With a staff of designers, horticulturists and outside crews, they undertake all types of landscaping from design and build to commercial landscape maintenance. They also have extensive experience in all areas of residential landscaping, from small plantings for garden patios to complete outdoor kitchen design and installation.

Source: http://www.blueridgelandscape.com