In a time of increasing environmental awareness, more people are looking to creating more eco friendly gardens and implementing water conservation practices.  One way of creating a low-water eco friendly landscape is by Xeriscaping.

There are many benefits of creating a Xeriscape landscape.  First, it greatly lowers consumption of water. Watering requirements in a xeriscape garden are low and can be met with simple irrigation systems.  There is little to no turf, which leads to less fossil fuel consumption by gas mowers.   Maintenance is minimal in Xeriscape landscapes aside from the occasional pruning and weeding.  Eliminates the need for fertilizers or pesticides by using plants native to your area. Sufficient nutrients are provided by healthy organic soil.  A good Xeriscape landscape can raise property values that can offset the cost of installation.

There are 7 Principles of Xeriscaping

1. Plan

Create a diagram, drawn to scale, showing the key elements of your landscape: house, driveway, patio, existing trees, property, etc.  Take measurements of all these elements and note on the plan.  Using this base plan create a”planting plan”.  While creating your planting plan, keep in mind the fundamental element of Xeriscape design is water conservation. Some other considerations: Noting areas of sun and shade will help you establish zones of differing water needs. Make the most of your water use by grouping plants with similar watering needs.

2. Soil amendment

Ideally, the soil used for your plants should simultaneously store water and drain quickly. This is achieved by increasing the amount of organic material in your soil and keeping it well aerated. Most plants will benefit from the use of compost, which will help the soil retain water. Some desert plants prefer gravel soils instead of well-amended soils.

3. Efficient irrigation

Use irrigation methods that water the plants in each area most efficiently, whether it be by hand or with an automatic sprinkler system. Never water during the day to reduce water lost to evaporation. If you have an automatic sprinkling system, adjust your controller to accommodate weather conditions. Install a rain sensor to shut off the device when it rains.

4. Use appropriate plants

One key to xeriscaping is using native plants because they are most adapted to your climate.  When planning where your plants will go, keep in mind those different areas of your yard receives differing amounts of light, wind and moisture.  Group plants that have similar light and water requirements and place them in an area that matches.

Also, when planning the layout of your plants try hydrozoning, or organizing plants in your garden based on watering needs.  Place the plants that have a higher need for water closer to the water source and  as you move further away place plants that require less water.

5. Mulch

Adding mulch to your plants helps retain moisture in the soil and block out weeds.

6. Irrigate

The goal of xeriscaping is water conservation.  To prevent over-watering, use soaker hoses and drip-irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to the base of the plants which also helps reduce moisture loss from evaporation. They deliver the water at a slower rate, which encourages water absorption at the root. Generally, it is best to water deeply and less frequently.

7. Maintenance

One of the great benefits of having a Xeriscape garden is it being low-maintenance. Keeping the weeds from growing up through the mulch may require some attention. Thickening the layer of mulch will help. Turf areas should not be cut too short – taller grass is a natural mulch which shades the roots and helps retain moisture. Avoid overfertilizing.

You might also want to try having a rain barrel out in your yard.  A rain barrel is a large container kept outside for collecting rain water.  It has spout attached at the bottom that a hose can be connected to and a screen at the top to keep debris out.  It can be place underneath a downspout or can be accompanied by a rain chain that guides the rain into the barrel.  There are many different avail able rain barrels out now ranging in material from plastic to clay and ranging in style from utilitarian to more decorative.

For more information on water-wise landscaping or if you are interested in transforming your water guzzling landscape contact Solena Landscape Co. at (714)960-8955.

Best Regards,

Distinctive Landscapes for the Finest Homes

438 Main Street, Suite #210 | Huntington Beach, CA 92648

PH: 714-960-8955 | FAX: 714-960-8951

info@solenalandscape.com

www.SolenaLandscape.com