Xeriscaping
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Xeriscaping, a word coined by combining xeros (Greek for "dry") with landscaping, is a water-conservative approach to landscaping. Plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. Xeriscape is a trademark that was created by the Front Range Xeriscape Task Force of the Denver Water Department in 1981[link].
Xeriscaping is not the same as "zero-scaping" (in which the landscape consists mostly of concrete, stones or gravel, with perhaps a cactus or two thrown in), and can look quite lush and colorful.
In some areas, terms such as drought tolerant landscaping and smart scaping have been substituted.
Implementation
Implementation of xeriscaping includes:
- Appropriate choice and arrangement of plants - where possible, plants that are native to the area or to similar climates, as well as other plants that tolerate or avoid water stress (xerophytes, halophytes, spring-flowering bulbs, very deeply rooted plants) as ornamentals.
- Hydrozoning, grouping plants with similar watering requirements together. Plants that require more water (for example, vegetables, fruits, flowers that gardeners just can't live without) are grouped together so that only limited portions of the landscape need extra water. These less water-efficient plants may also be sheltered from the wind and/or sun to decrease the amount of water they need.
- Minimal turf areas, using drought-tolerant turf-grass species where turf is needed at all (children's play areas). The landscape can be filled in with borders and islands of more water-efficient ornamental plants.
- Efficient application of water - drip irrigation where possible. Overhead irrigation (where needed) is applied water in the morning or evening, when it is less likely to be blown away by wind or lost by evaporation. Drought-tolerant plants get no more water than they need to look good, and of course water is not allowed to splash onto concrete walkways or other areas where it isn't needed.
- Conservation of water in the soil. Soil with improved structure retains water better, and mulch cools the soil surface and hinders evaporation.
Advantages
- lower water bills
- more water available for other uses and other people
- less time and work needed for maintenance
- the gardener can be lazy during the hot dry months
- little or no lawn mowing
- xeriscape plants along with proper bed design tends to take full advantage of rainfall
- when water restrictions are implemented, xeriscape plants will tend to survive, while more traditional plants may not
- increased habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other fauna
Disadvantages
- requires planning, especially if color is desired throughout the season, as most perennials do not bloom continuously
- may require more start-up work to prepare beds for planting than simply laying sod
- some homeowners' associations may object to non-traditional plants
- requires that people moving from water-abundant to water-scarce areas change their mindset as to what types of plants they are able to practically and economically maintain
- may have to substitute one type of plant for another
- xeriscape beds require periodic maintenance which is more involved than simply mowing and edging, especially to maintain color. Weeds and trash may also be more of a problem than in a traditional lawn.
- more complicated irrigation systems may be required
- xeriscape plants can waste water if irrigation is not properly managed
See also
- Gardening
- Sustainable farming
- Sustainable landscape architecture
- Native gardening
External links
- [City of Albuquerque]
- [Xeriscape Colorado]
- [Texas Agricultural Extension Service]
- [Las Pilitas Nursery: California Native Plants and Communities Database]
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