Water wise landscaping techniques to save water, time and money

Water wise landscaping techniques to save water, time and money

Water is one of our most valuable and limited. It is estimated that more than half of residential water use occurs outdoors. By making changes in some of our gardening practices, we can all make a difference in water conservation.

Rearranging furniture and decorate the interiors of our houses can do much to create a new look and feel without spending much money. And when it comes to our outdoor spaces, following the seven basic steps of Xeriscape ™ allows homeowners to organize and “redecorate” their outdoor spaces to create a landscape that not only is new and exciting, but also more healthy environment.

Although many people believe the term Xeriscape ™ means to live with cactus, succulents and other drought resistant plants, following the principles of this method water wise landscaping can actually create an outdoor environment that is still filled with lush plantings and foliage colorful, but requires less time and money for maintenance. The secret is in the design.

In 1981, the term Xeriscape ™ was created (and trademarked) by a joint working group of contractors associated with the landscape of Colorado (ALCC) and Denver Water to describe a form of gardening that helps conserve water. The term is defined as the “Water Conservation through Creative Landscaping” and actually involves much more than the selection of plants that thrive without water. In fact, with some re-organization of care, the majority of homeowners may be able to create a water wise landscape with plants that already have in their backyards.

There are seven principles that were created by the original working group that developed the concept of Xeriscape and these principles are the following for most of the water resource organizations throughout the country today. Basically, the premise is that if the plants are selected based on planting site conditions, and are grouped with other plants that have similar requirements, the overall picture will require less water and less maintenance. In other words, if the gardeners learn to work with Mother Nature, not against it, their yards prosper and flourish on their own, with little extra care (or water) of the property owner.

In theory, an ideal low-maintenance landscape consisting of plants that grew naturally on their property before their house was built. And while the construction of his house, probably altered the natural conditions of the site, to some extent, the original plant community or ecosystem of the area still must be taken into account when planning your landscape.

Does this mean that if you live in a plain pine can not have a beautiful rose garden? No. Supporters of Xeriscape only suggest that exotic and colorful plants that require more care should be kept to a minimum and are grouped in sites for optimal enjoyment, as an entry or within the view from a window or patio. This is called the oasis zone. The areas that are more distant and less visible may be planted with low maintenance, native plants require less care and visit also benefit wildlife. Again, that groups all plants by their water needs is the key.