What is xeriscape? And how it might benefit you?
So, What is Xeriscape?
If you are trying to find an alternative to watering, then xeriscape landscaping might be for you. Xeriscaping is designing a landscape that needs little to no water, aside from what the climate offers. It is a way that you can still have a beautifully landscaped yard, without wasting water. It hasn’t always been a popular choice with homeowners since most people think it means planting only rocks and cactus. However, it is actually designed with a way to have green space with low maintenance, low amounts of irrigation, and promotes biodiversity.
Benefits to Xeriscape landscaping
We utilize ultra-tough native and non-native species to achieve low water requirements, which helps your garden or yard have a higher success rate and take fewer resources to maintain. We use drought tolerant plants that tend to thrive better with lower maintenance, and less irrigation. It is also beneficial for yards where accessing water can be a challenge, helping with water conservation, or even just saving money on your water bill. Did you know 60% of home water usage is spent on watering a traditional lawn? More and more cities and towns are starting to embrace this type of landscaping that conserves water. They are still able to have beautiful eye-catching displays to enhance the appearance of streets and city parks. The amount of time spent weeding and mulching is also drastically less than a traditional landscape and less waste is going to landfills or overflowing composts.
Deciding on Style
Like all things, balance is a good thing to keep in mind when planning your yard. Xeriscape landscaping doesn’t mean getting rid of all the lawns on your property. By planting a lawn in areas that will be used, you can still use a xeriscape surround to help balance how much water will be used. By mixing the two styles, you get a beautiful landscape that will add to the curb appeal of your home. There are also different styles under xeriscaping, including pocket forests, rain gardens, and dry river beds. Pocket forests are a way of adding back in native plant, tree, and shrub species to a home on a small scale. By using a ground layer, shrub layer, and canopy layer, you create a more natural landscape that thrives off of the climate in your area. It is important to take into consideration the climate you live in before deciding what form of xeriscaping to use, if you do it all.
Types of Plants
When it comes to the plants you decide to add to your landscape, choosing native or drought tolerant plants with low maintenance and low watering, will give your garden beds a better chance at survival. Here on Vancouver Island, some examples of the types of plants you want to keep in mind are:
Decorative grasses to consider:
Plants to consider
· Mexican feather grass
· Aristida purpurea
· Feather reed grass
· Northern sea oats
· Lavendar
· Sedum
· Grevillea
· Artemisia
Once plants are established, they should be able to survive with minimal care and watering, or at the least they will use less water to survive. Have fun when it comes to planning your garden beds, but also keep in mind the spots in your yard that have the optimal placement. You want to make sure you are picking the right plants for sun and shade, and what areas have proper drainage. Mulch is a great covering that can be used around the plants and adds appeal to your yard.
If you decide xeriscape landscaping is a style that interests you, we can help you achieve your vision. It is our passion to work with the land and give you the most out of your landscape so you can enjoy it for years to come. Contact us to help get you started.
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About Me
I am the Owner of Inherit Designs Landscaping. Since 2003, my team and I have been providing sustainable garden solutions to the Cowichan Valley and Greater Victoria. I personally hold two certifications in horticulture and permaculture and take great pride in the service I offer my clients. My family and I live on our organic flower farm called Little Bee Blooms, run by my wife. Together we are continually conducting research gardens and experimenting in many aspects of horticulture and permaculture to improve our knowledge and the operation of our businesses.