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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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