What is Xeriscaping?
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A Xeric environment is dry and hot in comparison to Hyrdic or Mesic conditions that contain consistent or abundant moisture.
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A Xeric Plant can function at normal capacity (Leaf Out, Fruit, Flower, and Produce Seed) in xeric conditions.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
Xeric Plants
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Xeric and Native Plants are Summer Heroes, Not Zeros!
Plant selection as we head into the hottest months of the year can be overwhelming but also quite enlightening. This is a great time to notice extreme locations in our yards and fill them with xeric or native plants that are tolerant of our bizarre conditions and enjoy summer planting! Even the most draught tolerant plants are susceptible to damage without adequate water supply and our natural rainfall seems to be falling short in 2024.
Defining Water Wisdom
Xeric and native plant landscapes fit into a realm of "Water Wisdom" which promotes the strategic use of water in each unique landscape. Lawns and Ponds can fit in very nicely to a Xeric landscape when placed appropriately to help fuel the ecosystem. This is different than Zero-Scaping which implies Zero maintenance and generally minimal to zero plant life. Zero-scaped areas can also contribute to a water wise landscape as some areas are difficult to get water to, have hydrophobic soil, or cannot support plant life. Plant a flagstone patio or artistic hardscape in these locations, saving softer landscapes for areas where water can be supplied or directed to. Use xeric and native plants along the perimeter of wetter areas to absorb moisture from areas that may require additional water or where any overflow may migrate to can help save money and still grow a lush paradise.
Is Soil Amendment Required?
Our soil quality is so unique and bizarre that amendment is highly recommended for even the most native plants. The heavy clay common in areas surrounding the Animas Valley can be particularly compact, so breaking that solid pottery base up with a bit of organic matter and topsoil can encourage faster and healthier establishment for all species. The sandy shales that are predominantly found on the valley walls and hillsides may require a bit of clay, organic matter, and erosion controlling substances to encourage water retention and improve the longevity of all plantings. The richer soil found within the valley can vary between neighbors from sandy riverside soils perfect for poppies to rich soils filled with organic matter that may be too nice for certain native plants accustomed to clay.
How often will they need water?
Most xeric and native plants are defined as low water and will require less once they are established. Establishment for plants can take anywhere for one month to a full year depending on the species. All plants will thrive with consistent water supply but most of our staff favorites will require smaller amounts or less frequent application after establishment. We carry a large selection of xeric and native perennial plants, shrubs, and trees perfect for every Southwest Landscape and watering wish list. Stop by or visit the links below to learn more about creating an exquisite water wise landscape!
What is the perfect plant solution to a problematic location? Manzanitas are a native low growing shrub with broad leaves that stay evergreen all year long! They produce petite pink flowers in spring pictured at the top of this email and are tolerant of draught conditions, southwest dappled shade, and most of our strange soil situations!
Defining Water Wisdom
Xeric and native plant landscapes fit into a realm of "Water Wisdom" which promotes the strategic use of water in each unique landscape. Lawns and Ponds can fit in very nicely to a Xeric landscape when placed appropriately to help fuel the ecosystem. This is different than Zero-Scaping which implies Zero maintenance and generally minimal to zero plant life. Zero-scaped areas can also contribute to a water wise landscape as some areas are difficult to get water to, have hydrophobic soil, or cannot support plant life. Plant a flagstone patio or artistic hardscape in these locations, saving softer landscapes for areas where water can be supplied or directed to. Use xeric and native plants along the perimeter of wetter areas to absorb moisture from areas that may require additional water or where any overflow may migrate to can help save money and still grow a lush paradise.
Is Soil Amendment Required?
Our soil quality is so unique and bizarre that amendment is highly recommended for even the most native plants. The heavy clay common in areas surrounding the Animas Valley can be particularly compact, so breaking that solid pottery base up with a bit of organic matter and topsoil can encourage faster and healthier establishment for all species. The sandy shales that are predominantly found on the valley walls and hillsides may require a bit of clay, organic matter, and erosion controlling substances to encourage water retention and improve the longevity of all plantings. The richer soil found within the valley can vary between neighbors from sandy riverside soils perfect for poppies to rich soils filled with organic matter that may be too nice for certain native plants accustomed to clay.
How often will they need water?
Most xeric and native plants are defined as low water and will require less once they are established. Establishment for plants can take anywhere for one month to a full year depending on the species. All plants will thrive with consistent water supply but most of our staff favorites will require smaller amounts or less frequent application after establishment. We carry a large selection of xeric and native perennial plants, shrubs, and trees perfect for every Southwest Landscape and watering wish list. Stop by or visit the links below to learn more about creating an exquisite water wise landscape!
What is the perfect plant solution to a problematic location? Manzanitas are a native low growing shrub with broad leaves that stay evergreen all year long! They produce petite pink flowers in spring pictured at the top of this email and are tolerant of draught conditions, southwest dappled shade, and most of our strange soil situations!
As the Leaf Turns
7.15.2024
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