Xeriscaping Essentials in the Southwest

What is Xeriscaping?

A Xeric environment is dry and hot in comparison to Hyrdic or Mesic conditions that contain consistent or abundant moisture.

A Xeric Plant can function at normal capacity (Leaf Out, Fruit, Flower, and Produce Seed) in xeric conditions.

A Xeric Landscape utilizes water to its maximum potential allowing organisms to achieve full potential under the natural condition, which in the Southwest is often Hot, Dry, & Desert.

Xeriscaping is a term that was coined by the Colorado Waterwise Council.
​It is a combination of seven common-sense gardening principles that save water while creating a lush and colorful landscape.

​1. Plan and Design
A well-designed landscape should start with a plan, or rather, a series of plans. The first plan is a base plan which shows the major elements of the current landscape, including the footprint of the house, driveway, patios, walkways, and all existing trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Include directions (indicate which way is north) and the location of spigots, downspouts, and external electrical outlets.​

2. Create Practical Turf Areas
Contrary to what you may have heard, converting your yard to Xeriscape does NOT mean you have to get rid of all the grass. It does include planning where it makes sense to have grass, rather than just putting turf everywhere. Colorado's semi-arid climate many types of grass need a lot of supplemental irrigation to stay green and lush. Limit grass to areas in the yard that need to be useful lawns.

3. Select and Group Plants Appropriately
There is a misconception among some that the only plants allowed in a Xeriscape are cacti and other desert perennials. There are many plants that do well in our semi-arid climate with little or no supplemental irrigation. The trick to Waterwise gardening is to put the right plants in the right place.

4. Improve the Soil
Soil is the foundation of every landscape. The better the soil, the more successful a Xeriscape will be. Soil is made up of three main types of particles - sand, silt, and clay. In Colorado, our soils tend to be either primary clay or primarily sand. Clay soil has a high moisture retention capacity, but it is slow to absorb water and slow to release it. When water is applied too quickly to clay soil most of it runs off and is not absorbed. Clay soil is heavily compacted, making it difficult for plants to establish the deep root systems necessary to survive a drought.

5. Mulch
Mulch is an essential component of gardening in a semi-arid climate for several reasons. Mulching minimizes evaporation. It cools plant root zones, reducing the amount of water plants lose through evapotranspiration. It reduces weed growth and helps control erosion. Mulch also adds a finished look to any landscape.

6. Efficient Irrigation
Once you’ve installed a Xeriscape, it’s important to water it efficiently. Efficient irrigation is the planned management of water in the landscape to prevent waste and overuse. To achieve this goal factor both the plant water requirements and the operating specifications of the irrigation equipment. Although irrigation systems can range from a new automatic system to a sprinkler attached to the end of a hose, all increase the ease of watering for you and your landscape.

7. Maintain the Landscape
No garden is completely maintenance-free and all plants appreciate a bit of attention. This includes pruning shrubs and trees, deadheading perennials, aerating, mowing and fertilizing lawns, and controlling pests.