XERISCAPING
What is
it? Xeriscaping means simply
landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to
conserve water and reduce yard trimmings.
While indigenous plants are naturally
accustomed to local climates and therefore good choices for
water and waste efficient landscapes, xeriscaping doesn't
mean planting Oregon native plants only. For example, one
could draw from many available colorful drought tolerant
plants native to other "Mediterranean" climates such as
Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, South Africa,
and Australia. There are many excellent books that provide
further information on this subject, as well as a growing
number of nurseries that specialize in xeriscape
plants.
Seven Principles
of Xeriscape
The
Seven Principles of Xeriscape will assure an attractive,
healthy landscape with just the right amount of
water.
1. Plan and design comprehensively.
Have a
plan. Find out where things are. Consider the view, slope,
exposure and soils of the area. Take into account the existing
vegetation and topography of the site and intended use. Decide
where things will be. Decide when things will be done. Most
landscapes are best done in phases.
2. Evaluate soil and improve if necessary.
Soils
can vary within a given site; an analysis based on random
sampling can provide information for plant selection and soil
amendments. The soils in Colorado Springs range from clay to
sand, and both are low in organic material. Whether clay or
sand, the soil in your landscape will benefit from the addition
of sphagnum peat moss, compost, aged manure or other decomposed
organic materials. This will improve root development, water
penetration and retention. Improve the soil before planting and
installing the irrigation system.
3. Create practical turf areas.
The
type and location of turf areas should be considered a major
design element of the landscape. The selection and location of
turf should be decided on the same basis as other plantings,
such as your purpose and function of the landscape. The
reduction or elimination of high-water-use turf areas, and
locating them separately so that they may be watered more
efficiently, can result in significant reductions in water use.
4. Use appropriate plants
Most
plants have a place in Xeriscape - even those that have high
water needs. Plant selection should be based on the intended
use in the landscape. Use of more plants with low water needs
and native plants will allow the maximum water conservation.
5. Water efficiently.
If an
irrigation system is to be installed, it should be well planned
and well managed. Turf areas should be watered separately.
Group plants with like water needs, and water each group on
separate zones. Not all plants need the same amount of water.
Irrigation needs change with the season and the weather.
Irrigate according to the needs of the plants rather than
watering on a fixed schedule. Even plants used in Xeriscape
will require supplemental irrigation until they become
established (two or three years).
