What is Xeriscape Gardening?
Imagine relaxing in your yard and enjoying lush and colorful plants that show off their blooms spring, summer and fall. Next, imagine the freedom-and conservation-that comes with watering those plants only a few times a month. With Xeriscaping, you can have both a beautiful and water-wise garden. Xeriscape, a term coined by the Denver Water Department in 1981, combines “landscaping” with the Greek “xeri,” meaning dry. But dry does not mean dull. The best and most magical of metro areas gardens feature popular low-water plants that deliver beauty and tranquility, while saving on our most precious resource: water. Xeriscape gardening is a simple principle of gardening that uses low water plants. Most all local greenhouses mark their plants as low-water plants, and several great books are available to help the beginner, as well as the expert wanting to learn even more. [Click here] for a sampling. Xeriscape gardening differs from regular gardening in that it is much more than just low-wat
Xeriscape gardening focuses on native landscaping and water-saving gardening techniques. Xeriscape gardening cuts down on water usage through lawn reduction and native plantings, which are drought tolerant and require less irrigation. Traditional lawn grass is often replaced with more drought-tolerant grasses, like buffalo or zoysia grass. Lawns may also be replaced with low-maintenance ground covers or transformed into shrub borders and native planting beds. In some cases, patios, decks, or walkways are increased in an effort to conserve water. One of the most important elements of xeriscape gardening is its design. Since water conservation is the goal in xeriscapes, special consideration should be given to difficult areas, such as slopes, which do not hold water well. Soil is another important factor to consider. Various types of soil respond to and retain water differently. Therefore, it can be especially helpful to amend the soil with compost. Compost-enriched soil retains water be
