What is Xeriscaping?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

19 Nov 2006 08:25 AM

Unless you live in a warm climate you are likely in the midst of winterizing your yard and garden. We winterized our yard a few weeks ago (and it's a good thing since it has snowed twice since then). Our recent snowfalls got me thinking about all of the other homeowners who don't have to deal with the white stuff... or the wet stuff-rain. If you happen to live in a hot dry climate and are struggling to maintain a bountiful garden you should know about xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping is a term used to describe low water gardening or landscaping. Xeriscape gardening is typically implemented in areas of the country where there are restrictions on water usage and where the hot dry climate tends to kill fragile plants. But now xeriscaping is growing in popularity among homeowners who live in other parts of the country and just find low-maintenance garden appealing.

If you are a regular visitor to garden supply stores you may have heard the term xeriscaping used before. Unfortunately, it seems our local garden supply store promotes a misconception of the xeriscaping---that xeriscape design consists of mainly prickly cactus-like plants intermingled with rocks. If you do research on xeriscaping you'll find that most good xeriscape designers are more concerned with proper irrigation and water-use reduction and water conservation rather than eliminating water use all together.

The main idea behind xeriscaping is to mix low-water use plants with a few carefully chosen areas of irrigation. For example, if you live in a hot and dry climate, instead of having a huge lawn, you can save water by having a smaller lawn bordered by low-water plants and flowers. The result: a colorful array of flowers that requires little maintenance and will survive during times of extreme heat or a drought.

Here is a list of plants that you may want to consider adding to your xeriscape garden:

· Oriental Poppy

· Yarrow

· Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

· Dusty Miller

· Black Eyed Susan

· Indian Paintbrush (Celosia)

· Spirea

· Columbine

· Lavender

Related Articles:

10 Tips For The Beginner Gardener

Tips For Gardening With Children

Top 10 Flowers That Thrive In The Dog Days of Summer

To Water Or Not To Water

Top Five Ways To Protect Your Roses From The Summer Heat

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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