DIY Network

Xeriscaping From "Ask DIY Gardening" episode DADG-107

Walter Reeves discusses the concept of xeriscaping -- strategic landscaping for the conservation of water.

Q: I'm landscaping my yard and I'm looking for plants that don't need a lot of water. Do you have any suggestions?

A: (from DIY's gardening expert Walter Reeves) As urban sprawl continues, water shortages will continue too. As environmentally responsible gardeners, we should all think of ways of gardening and landscaping that will save water. The process of strategically landscaping to conserve water is termed xeriscaping. The look of xeriscaped yards will vary according to the climate and area of the country. Here are some suggestions for both arid and temperate climates.

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Figure A

No matter what you live, if you'll follow the seven basic principles of xeriscaping, you can have a landscape that looks twice as good while using only half the amount of water.

• Start with a plan that takes into account the environmental variables in your landscape. This may include the terrain, soil and runoff properties. If you have areas that typically retain rainwater, and the soil stays moist, landscape those areas with plants that thrive in moist soil. If you have particularly dry areas, use plants that thrive in dry or sandy soil. In our demonstration in a Southwest climate, that included plantings of prickly pear (or Opuntia) and Agave (figure A). This particular site is in full sun and has fast-draining soil, so it's ideal for cacti. The prickly pear varies in color through the year, changing from green to a purplish hues in the summer.

• The second rule of xeriscaping is to check your soil. In our example, we know that cacti need well-drained soil. The site of our planting has soil that has a high content of sand, gravel and construction debris, so rainwater drains off quickly. It's also advisable to have your soil checked for nutrient content and other special characteristics -- nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH level, etc. Match your plants to the soil where you'll be planting.

• The third rule of xeriscaping is to choose plants appropriately. In different parts of the country, xeriscaping will vary. In the hot, arid Southwest, succulents and cacti or typically good choices. In other parts of the country, xeriscaping plants might include Salvia, Lantana or day-lilies. The key in any circumstance is to choose plants that require less watering.
  In a Southeastern landscape, a good xeriscaping choice might include Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum) --a beautiful plant that can grow to heights of 10 to 12 feet and, in the spring, has vivid, pink blooms (figure B). Graham's Sage, or Salvia (figure C), is a drought resistant plant that's excellent for landscaping. Variegated sweetflag, or Acorus (figure D) is adaptable to very dry or very wet growing conditions.

  For groundcover, consider groundcover-variety strawberry (not the weed variety). This is and excellent but underrated groundcover that blooms sporadically throughout the year. Another good choice is Ajuga which is available in different colors of foliage.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  Figure E

• The fourth rule of xeriscaping is to choose an appropriate-sized lawn for your landscape. Lawns use a lot of water, and your lawn doesn't necessarily have to cover all of your property. Consider landscaping the remainder of your property with native plants, mulched areas and other uses that don't require as much water as a lawn.

• The fifth rule of xeriscaping is to carefully manage your irrigation system to avoid wasting water. For example, a soaker hose (figure E) helps direct water exactly where it's needed. By contrast, sprayers and sprinklers waste a lot of water in the form of moisture that's simply carried away by wind or evaporation. Broad-coverage sprinklers may also be watering areas that don't really need it. With a soaker hose, the water simply weeps out of the hose and soaks right down to the roots of the plants.

• The sixth rule of xeriscaping is to mulch generously. Pine straw, wood chips or other forms of mulch help the soil retain water and introduce nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

• The seventh and final rule of xeriscaping is to exercise proper plant maintenance to help minimize water loss. For example, over-fertilizing or pruning too frequently can cause plants to lose more water than normal.
  For further research on methods for landscaping techniques, plantings and plant maintenance to minimize water waste, talk to your local extension service or a knowledgeable nurseryman about xeriscaping.

Go to next article in DIY's "Green Gardener" series.