Water efficient landscaping
or water wise gardening is also known as
Xeriscape gardening.
Xeriscaping is basically a method of gardening that involves the choosing of the plants that are suitable for creating a landscape that can be maintained with minimum water supply. The term ‘Xeroscaping’ was coined in 1970s in Denver, CO. This article throws light on the principles and techniques of Xeriscape gardening.
Systems of Xeriscaping:
- Planning and designing is important for Xeriscaping. Plant tough, drought tolerant plants in the areas exposed to sun or prone to dryness. Less tolerant plants can be planted in the shady areas.
- Add generous amounts of organic matter and it improves water penetration and retention in any type of soil.
- Mulching is vital in Xeriscaping. There are many advantages of mulching. Mulching moderates soil temperature, slows soil erosion, holds moisture and suppresses weeds. It also helps feeding the soil by gradually decomposition.
- Place the lawn according to the inital design. Also choose the appropriate grass seeds for the lawn’s exposure. Before all this, be considerate of the amount of water, fertilizer and gasoline needed to keep the lawn green throughout the summer.
- Xeriscaping is based on drip irrigation systems. These are the systems that are recommended for the efficient watering. They allow to control when and how much water a plant gets and direct to irrigate to the level which the plant needs.
- Xeriscape gardens too needs some maintainance like weeding, pruining, deadheading and sensible pest management.
Advantages of Xeriscaping:
The main advantage is water management. Apart from that Xeriscape gardens are healthier gardens. They need less fertilizers and pesticides. The simple techniques of grouping the plants by their water needs and using mulch and drought tolerant plants you can conserve the water and reap wonderful results.
