Xeriscape Landscape Saves Natural Resources Using Low Water Gardening
The practice of Xeriscaping creates gardens using naturalized plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees already acclimated the area in which you live in. With water restrictions in place in parts of the country Xeriscaping continues to grow in popularity. Xeriscape works because you’re creating a garden with plants and flowers which already grow naturally in your location. The end result means the “landscape” needs less water and care.
Xeriscape gardens are most popular in the southwest desert areas of the United States. Why so popular? Xeriscape gardens use little to no water, with water being a scare commodity in that region the answer is obvious. Don’t get the idea only the southeast can do low water gardens. Xeriscape landscaping plans and design work just as well in Florida, Maryland and Oregon… and your backyard.
Low Watering Requirements – Beyond A Cactus Garden
Many people think when creating a garden requiring low watering needs other than natural rainfall amounts, their mind jumps immediately to a cactus garden full or rocks and stone. Cactus gardens alone can be quite beautiful all by themselves, but there are other ways to create a beautiful low water garden.
One method to help lower the water needs of plants is by using water crystals in your garden soil and potting medial. These crystals absorb and hold water for long periods of time making watering intervals longer on plants but still keep them be healthy and beautiful. The water crystals absorb water whenever you water and slowly releases the "stored" water to the plants over time. Some bagged potting media already has the water absorbing crystals added, or you can buy and add crystals yourself to the soil or to existing areas of your garden where they’re needed most.
Mulch Conserves Water!
You can help conserve water use for your xeriscape plants and flowers by applying a thick layer of natural mulch. Dry grass, sawdust, dead leaves, wood chips, sawdust, pine bark or tree pieces pieces to cover the area around plants will reduce water use and evaporation. This layer will help keep the exposed soil from drying out, lowering the need to water plants as often… even in the heat of summer. The mulch can also help during the winter months as insulation for root systems.
Cactus and Other Xeriscaping Plants
Many other types of plants require little water to live very well also, and they’re not only cactus. Of all the plants used in xeriscape cactus probably have the lowest water demands, and cactus even with those spines are quite beautiful throughout the year. Most cactus flowers are beautiful and colorful and change to various colors in different seasons.
Besides cactus other plants grow well even in the worst seasons of drought. These unique low water plants can really make a garden stand out. Some of the best plants for low water gardening are the Desert Mallow and California Poppy. The flowers range in color from light peach to orange, but you’ll find other shades as well.
The leaves on these plants appear a little strange in that they are a paler green color and a bit hairy or fuzzy. THis characteristic is for grabbing moisture. These plants are a bright flag for drawing butterflies and hummingbirds, and an excellent addition to your xeriscaping garden plans.
With water becoming more of an issue and time limited with the lifestyle of today giving people less time to enjoy their garden, xeriscaping may fit your garden needs perfectly.
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