Xeriscape Gardening with Colorful Plants

Xeriscape (pronounced zeer-uh-scape) is from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry. The word refers to designing creative landscapes and gardens with less water consumption. Unfortunately, most mistake xeriscape gardening to be rock collections with a few succulents added. In educated or experienced hands, xeros gardening can be much more interesting and colorful.

Designing for Different Garden Water Demands

• Oasis zone: A garden zone with the highest water use where people spend the most time. Patios or entry areas are perfect places for an oasis zone. Usually containing grassy areas and plantings, it requires more maintenance and is the most colorful.
• Transition zone: An area of moderate water use beyond the oasis zone. This transition zone requires garden plants that need less frequent irrigation with usually less maintenance.
• Low-watering zone: Outside the transition zone and farthest from the oasis garden zone. It requires little or no supplemental water, unless drought conditions occur.

Irrigation

Natural water should be used. Run-off from roofs or pavement can be directed to the oasis garden zone or other areas to supplement irrigation requirements. Requiring forethought and planning, these ideas are best carried out in construction phases and with professional help.

Irrigation is necessary during the first years, while the garden plant’s root systems are developing. Evaporation losses can be reduced by using drip irrigation, soaker hoses or bubblers.

Mulch

Mulch is vital to the xeriscape garden. Using material that covers the soil surface around the plants significantly reduces moisture evaporation from the soil. It also reduces weeds, prevents soil compaction and keeps soil temperatures more moderate. Mulches can be organic materials like stone, gravel and lava rock.

Make Use of Natural Terrain

Using existing yard terrain means less labor and materials costs. Making radical changes to the terrain means high labor and materials costs. During wet weather periods, observe the water flow of the area. Make notes of the directions of water flow and plan to incorporate natural water into the landscaping.

Choose the Right Plants

Choosing the right plants for the xeriscape garden is essential. A plant that is well adapted to an area is preferable, as these plants have a natural resistance to drought, insects and disease for the specific zone. Native plants, shrubs and trees also offer a familiar habitat for local wildlife. There are wide selections of native plants available, including trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals, grasses, and herbs. Contact the local conservation department at any university or visit:

• PlantNative.org gives select native plant varieties by state as well as community service organizations for information and help.
• Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center’s website. Plants can be identified with appearance, life span, bloom time and color. There are also how-to guides to start native-grass lawns, butterfly gardens, native-plant gardens and more.
• EarthEasy.com has comprehensive information on xeriscape principles and tips, along with planting information, resources and lawn alternatives to grass.
• An album of xeriscaping in Ohio by “lyn39100” at the home-and-garden Webshots.com site has photos starting in 2003 and runs until 2008. There are stunning pictures of xeriscape gardening. This design would make any gardener seriously consider xeriscaping, whether in a rural setting or a city block.

To be a greater part of the movement toward a greener lifestyle, consider using low-water xeriscaping methods of gardening. Using colorful, blooming plants in lieu of grass is a cheaper and less labor intensive alternative to a lawn.