Landscaping and Gardening
What is xeriscaping?
The word xeriscaping comes from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry, and involves water saving landscaping techniques. Xeriscaping uses plants that are very efficient in their water use, often using one-half the amount of water of the average landscape with less maintenance. Xeriscaping also includes efficient irrigation and other water saving techniques.
The City of Bend now has a guide available called "Xeriscaping in the High Desert". See this great publication on their website by clicking here.
Also, check these websites to learn more:
www.cabq.gov/waterconservation/xeric.html
www.xeriscape.org
What are the benefits of xeriscaping?
A properly maintained xeriscape garden can:
- Conserve water
- Provide lots of attractive planting options.
- Present minimal pest and disease problems.
- Thrive with little fertilization.
- Require low pruning and maintenance.
- Save valuable landfill space by producing less garden waste
www.ciwmb.ca.gov/organics/Xeriscaping/
How do I xeriscape my garden?
Xeriscaping your garden can be a complex process. The following is a list of important steps to follow is suggested by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service on their web site:
aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/xeriscape/xeriscape.html.
Following this list are a few addition web sites and books that can help you through the process.- A Plan: Creating a water-efficient landscape begins with a well thought-out landscape design. Sketch your yard with locations of existing structures, trees, shrubs and grass areas. Then consider the landscape budget, appearance, function, maintenance and water requirements. Local landscape architects, designers, nurserymen and county extension agents can help.
- Soil analysis and preparation: To increase plant health and conserve water, add organic matter to the soil of shrub and flower bed areas. This increases the soil's ability to absorb and store water in a form available to the plant. As a rule-of-thumb, till in 4 to 6 inches of organic material such as shredded pine bark, peat and rice hulls. For trees, however, incorporating organic matter is not necessary; for large turfgrass areas, it is not economically feasible.-
- Practical turf areas: When considering a landscape's water requirement, it is important to note that turfgrasses require more frequent watering and maintenance than most other landscape plants. Carefully select grass according to its intended use, planting location and maintenance requirements.
- Plant selection: Select trees, shrubs and groundcovers based on their adaptability to your region's soil and climate.
- Efficient irrigation: Much of the tremendous amounts of water applied to lawns and gardens is never absorbed by the plants and put to use. Some water is lost to runoff by being applied too rapidly, and some water evaporates from exposed, unmulched soil; but, the greatest waste of water is applying too much too often. [the sources bellow have great tips on irrigation for different plants].
- Use of mulches: Mulch is a layer of nonliving material covering the soil surface around plants. Mulches can be organic materials such as pine bark, compost and woodchips; or inorganic materials, such as lava rock, limestone or permeable plastic, not sheet plastic. Use mulch wherever possible. Good mulch conserves water by significantly reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. Mulch also reduces weed populations, prevents soil compaction and keeps soil temperatures more moderate.
- Appropriate maintenance preserves the beauty of the Xeriscape landscape plus saves water. Pruning, weeding, proper fertilization, pest control and irrigation system adjustments all conserve water.
Check out these xeriscaping web sites and books at the Deschutes Public Library:
www.cabq.gov/waterconservation/xeric.html
www.ciwmb.ca.gov/organics/xeriscaping
www.xeriscape.org
www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dep/html/xeris.html
aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/xeriscape/xeriscape.html
The Water-Thrifty Garden by Stan DeFreitas
Xeriscape Handbook by Gayle Weinstein
Dry-Land Gardening by Jennifer Bennett
Waterwise Gardening by Lauren Springer
What plants should I look for to xeriscape my garden?
When xeriscaping your garden, it is suggested that you use plants that are native to your area and are drought tolerant. Since Central and Eastern Oregon is mostly high desert, many plants work great as both native and drought tolerant. Keep in mind that irrigating is also more efficient if plants with similar watering requirements are grouped together.
The following books located at the Deschutes Public Library have extensive lists of xeriscape plants: Heat Zone Gardening by Dr. H. Marc Cathey, Xeriscape Color Guide by David Winger, Drought Tolerant Plants by Jane Taylor, The Water-Thrifty Garden by Stan DeFreitas, Dry-Land Gardening by Jennifer Bennett, Waterwise Gardening by Lauren Springer, Xeriscape Handbook by Gayle Weinstein.
To learn about xeriscape appropriate plants for Central Oregon contact From the Ground Up (FTGU) or any of the local nurseries that feature such plants listed in our Green Purchasing chapter.
Are there landscapers that specialize in xeriscaping in Central Oregon?
Yes there are! Click here for a list of qualifying businesses in Central Oregon. These landscapers have qualified for listing on The Green Spot's Green Purchasing Guide.
What nurseries in Central Oregon sell plants appropriate for xeriscaping?
There are many nurseries in Central Oregon that sell some drought tolerant, native plants. Click here for a list of local nurseries that provide a larger selection. Or check out the Oregon State University horticulture site:
extension.oregonstate.edu/deschutes/Horticulture/COPlantResourceLstV.pdf
What else could I do to save water in my garden, besides using drought tolerant and native plants?
- Supplement the soil with compost or peat mosses that retain water
- If your garden is sloped than use terraces and retaining walls to prevent runoff.
- Use mulches like bark, pine needles, or leaves to keep the soil moist and prevent erosion.
- Install drip or trickle irrigation systems that discourage water loss from evaporation and runoff. In warmer months irrigate during cooler times of the day such as in the morning or evening when there is less chance of evaporation from the sun. Your soil will retain water longer.
- Regular maintenance like good timing of pruning, fertilizing, weeding, and pest control will keep water usage efficient.
- Decrease the lawn area by replacing it with ground covers or hard surfaces like patios or stepping stones.
- Also check out the following books at the Deschutes County Library. They have several tips on efficient irrigation techniques, on assessing the microclimates of your garden to use water more effectively, and on design plans that are water-efficient: Heat Zone Gardening by Dr. H. Marc Cathey. The Water-Thrifty Garden by Stan DeFreitas. Dry-Land Gardening by Jennifer Bennett. Waterwise Gardening by Lauren Springer
www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dep/html/xeris.html
What are the most common noxious weeds in Central Oregon?
The most pervasive species of noxious weeds in the Deschutes River Basin are Spotted knapweed, Diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Dalmation toadflax, Whitetop, Hoary cress, Scotch thistle, Poison hemlock, Yellow starthistle, and Leafy spurge. To see pictures of these weeds and to read written descriptions, please visit the following websites:
cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/weeds/id.html
www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/resourinfo/plants/weeds/aweeds.html
www.deschutes.org/go/government/departments/road-department/citizeninvolvement/noxious-weeds
What should I do if I find noxious weeds where I live?
Pull weeds when you see them. If you see no flowers or seeds, you can leave the plants after pulling them. If the weed is flowering, dispose of it in a tightly secured bag that can then be placed in your garbage can. Keep your vehicle out of weed patches, as weed pars can become stuck between tire treads or wedged in undercarriages and thus transport seeds to new places.
Report any weed sites you find to the Forest Service:
Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District: Charmane Levack at 541-383-4730
Crescent Ranger District: Carolyn Close at 541-433-3234
Sisters Ranger District: Maret Pajutee at 541-549-7727 www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/resourinfo/plants/weeds/aweeds.html
Some weeds, such as Leafy Spurge, cannot be completely eliminated once they have become established. A number of eco-friendly tools can help prevent further spread of such weeds and can help control established communities. Sheep and goats can be used to graze many noxious weeds, and they do not compete with other livestock for grasses. Insects can also be used in conjunction with sheep and goats. While using ruminants to graze noxious weeds eliminates the need for herbicides, there are still some considerations to keep in mind. Domestic sheep should not be used anywhere near wild bighorn sheep habitat; studies suggest that the wild animals are fatally susceptible to diseases carried by domestic sheep. Even in areas void of wild sheep, careful management of the herds is suggested to guard against predation and overgrazing.
For information on concerns regarding bighorn sheep, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Game at 541-388-6363.
For questions regarding range considerations, contact the Deschutes County Weed division at 541-322-7135.
For more information on the benefits and limitation on biological control of noxious plants, visit a series of lectures presented by specialists on the topic at www.forestry.umt.edu/kiosk/workshops/weedgrazing/index.htm
How can I learn more about gardening in Central Oregon?
Please visit the following websites for local organic gardening information and resources:
http://www.ktvz.com/gardener.html
http://www.juniperandsage.com/garden/book.htm
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/
Also, check out our Green Purchasing Guide. Please visit Landscaping Supplies & Nurseries, Landscaping Services and Yard & Garden to access local businesses and find out more!
