Low Water Gardening

Water Wise Gardening
Water is essential to our daily lives. We use it to cook, to clean, to nourish our bodies.

During the summer, 50% of the water we use in our homes is used outside to keep our gardens green.

You can reverse the trend by planting native species and other drought resistant plants. Plants from around the world are adapted to grow with little or no supplemental water.

These plants are termed "xeric" and include many plants native to our own region. These plants are not only pleasing to look at but also low maintenance.

The word "Xeriscape" is derived from the Greek word xeros meaning dry, and scape, the last syllable of landscape. Xeriscape refers to an attractive water-conserving landscaper designed to harmonize with the existing environment.

Xeriscape promotes water conservation by using drought-tolerant plant materials that thrive in the environment, within a landscape carefully designed for maximum use of rainfall runoff and minimum care. By limiting landscape water needs, xeriscaping principles can significantly reduce water use and save money.

More than just strategy to save water and money, xeriscape principles also stress the aesthetics of using native vegetation. Xeriscape gardening recognizes that native vegetation is visually and aesthetically pleasing, even in landscaped areas.

The Seven Principles of Xeriscape
Good Planning and Design - Many people create their own designs with excellent results. Landscape professionals can also serve as helpful resources. They can provide advice, critique, or develop plans for you. Planning is the most important step to a successful Xeriscape because it allows you to install your landscape in phases, which minimizes initial expenses.

Efficient Irrigation - For efficient water use, plan to irrigate turf areas separately from other plantings, and always water according to plant needs. Landscape plantings should be grouped according to similar water needs.

Use of Mulches - Mulched planting beds are an ideal replacement for some turf areas. Mulches cool soil, minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth, slow erosion, and provide landscape interest. Organic mulches are typically bark chips and wood grindings. Inorganic mulches include rock and various gravel products. Place mulch directly on the soil or on breathable fabric. Avoid using sheet plastic in planting areas.

Good Maintenance - Regular maintenance preserves the intended beauty of your landscape and saves water. Because of their design, Xeriscapes can help reduce maintenance costs. Pruning, weeding, proper fertilization, pest control, and irrigation system adjustments provide additional water savings.

Practical Lawn Areas - Locate turf only in areas where it provides functional benefits. Turf is best separated from areas with trees, shrubs, ground covers, and flowering plants so that it may be irrigated separately. Often turf can be replaced with other less water demanding materials such as ground covers, low water demand plants, or mulches.

Soil Improvement - Improve the soil prior to the installation of any landscape. Soil improvement allows for better absorption of water and improved water-holding capacity of the soil. Soils that have organic matter also provide beneficial nutrients to plants.

Water Efficient Plants - A good Xeriscape can incorporate almost every plant, the key is to place them properly according to their water needs. There are numerous attractive trees, shrubs, garden flowers, ground covers and turfs available to complement your Xeriscape.

Additional Xeriscaping Information

To see more pictures and to find more information about wildflowers in the Peace Region click here .

This article is provided courtesy of NEAT