Xeriscaping (pronounced zerah-skaypeeng) is a trademarked, water conserving gardening program that began in the United States in the early 1980s during a drought. The program has spread to forty states where it is being embraced for its water conserving actions. Its popularity increases every year not only because it saves money in water costs, but it also saves the gardener something equally valuable: time and effort.

Much like building a house on a firm foundation, planning and design should be the first tools used for the new xeriscape. Begin with a simple scale drawing of the property. Be sure to show how it is oriented to the sun, and also add all structures, trees and plants on the property. Then place a sheet of tracing paper over the drawing. On this sheet, sketch in any views that should be shielded, drainage problem corrections and the existing features that are to remain in place.

Soil preparation and analysis is the first step outside. Finding out what type of soil is available on the property will help determine which plants can be chosen. Do not add organic matter to planting holes, but if the soil structure is very poor, certain things can be done to improve it. Sand can be added to clay or drainage pipes can be used for areas with standing water, etc.

Plant selection is crucial to the success of xeriscaping. The purpose of landscaping is to create appeal and interest for a building, and water-wise gardening does not mean that the plant materials need to be dull or common. Choose plants that will be appropriate for the area it will fill when grown. Choices should be made from plants with natural shapes that appeal to the homeowner, which do not require additional pruning and shaping. Be sure to space the plants appropriately to reduce their upkeep.

Practical turf areas are good for home and business landscapes because grassy areas reduce erosion and recharge the ground water. As long as the gardener is content with brown grass during the drought season, the turf will bounce back and they will be rewarded with a green patch when the rain returns.

Irrigation is still necessary in the xeriscape although in much lower amounts. When the landscape is first installed, regular watering is required until the plants are established. After that, water requirements decrease dramatically. Alternative methods to sprinklers should be used, such as drip irrigation and hand watering.

Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a gardener can do for their soil. A thick layer of mulch keeps the moisture level in the soil at a constant level and keeps a crust from forming around the plant so water can reach the roots easily. Mulch also keeps weeds at bay.

Maintenance is minimal compared to the traditional landscape. Some points to consider while keeping up the xeriscape are using a slow release fertilizer, thinning rather than shearing shrubs and aerating the turf grass to improve irrigation.

Xeriscaping not only reduces the amount of water needed to keep the landscape beautiful, but since native plants are used, they are used to the soil available to them, so fertilizer use is also reduced. While the benefits can be seen even if only a two of the steps are utilized, more of the steps implemented equals greater benefits.

Please see the following links for more information:

CSU Extension

Xeriscaping in California

Eartheasy

Toolbase

Living Green

Principles

Plants

Water Thrifty Plants

Best plants

Mr. Smarty Plants