Xeriscape - It's not only rocks and cactus
When most people think about xeriscape they picture a yard covered in rocks, with the occasional cactus or other succulent, but that's not how is has to be. With plants adapted to the local climate, a xeriscape yard can have trees, shrubs, flowers, and even grass. Most importantly, the plants can look healthy through the hottest parts of the year with minimal additional water.
Xeriscape comes from the word "xeric" meaning dry. A xeriscape landscape requires limited additional water. Dependingon where you live, a xeriscape will contain different plants. For example, xeriscape plants in the Desert Southwest or Rocky Mountain states are very different than xeriscape plants in the Pacific Northwest. No matter where you live, it's all about efficient use of water in your landscape.
There are many sources for help on creating a xeriscape landscape; including plant selection, soil preparation and approriate watering. One of the best places to start is a reputible local nursery. They will have experience with local climate conditions and can recommend plants for your yard.
Xeriscape principles
- Choose plants that are native to the area. You can also choose plants that are native to climate zones similar to the one that you live in.
- Group plants with similar water needs. Put any high water plants together so that they can all get the needed water, without drowning the low water use plants.
- Minimize turf areas. Most yards have grass over the whole area. Turn any areas less than 6 feet wide, or that aren't needed as a lawn, into xeriscape flower beds.
- Apply water efficiently. Most plants don't need to be sprayed with water. A drip irrigation system applies water directly to the plant's roots, with minimal waste. Water turf areas until the water starts to runoff. Make sure that any sprinklers are spraying on the lawn, not on the sidewalk, street, or driveway.
- Conserve water. This includes placing mulch around the plants to keep the ground cooler and to retain the moisture in the soil. It also includes recycling water from rain, or gray water from your house.
Great books on Amazon
Xeriscape Handbook: A How-to Guide to Natural Resource-Wise Gardening
A great book on the basics of Xeriscape gardening. This is the first book I bought on xeriscape.
Amazon Price: $20.71 (as of 07/11/2009) 
Xeriscape Plant Guide: 100 Water-Wise Plants for Gardens and Landscapes
This book contains 100 xeriscape plants; from trees to annuals. It also lists the water requirements, soil types, and other details about each plant.
Amazon Price: $23.20 (as of 07/11/2009)
Xeriscape Color Guide: 100 Water-Wise Plants for Gardens and Landscapes
A great way to pick plant based on their colors.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Western Garden Book, 2001 Edition
Everything you've every wanted to know about thousands of plants. I reference this book every time I want to buy new plants. I also use the care instructions to help my plants be all that they can be.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Xeriscape resources
- High Country Gardens
- I buy all of my plants from High Country Gardens. They have a great selection, and the plants have always arrived healthy.
- Denver Water
- Denver Water was the first to coin the term "xeriscape" and has been a leader in promoting climate appropriate gardening.
- Utah Water
- Another good source for lists of xeriscape plants. Many are available outside of Utah.
by Conan1
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