Landscape design > Info > Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping (otherwise known as a water-friendly method of landscaping), is a wonderful and ‘green’ method of landscaping your yard. However, despite it’s ever growing popularity. Many people still opt for the lush green landscapes that can eat up local water resources. For this reason, it is always a great thing to consider. Especially if you are looking to save a little bit of ‘green’ on your next water bill.

But what is xeriscaping exactly? You might be asking yourself. Well, it is the process of landscaping your yard while emphasizing plant life and other items that need less water than your standard landscape would. In other words, it is landscaping with your local water supply in mind. The use of wood chips, sand, and plants that don’t require the constant watering as your rosebushes would. Things such as cactus or shrubs are great ways to add in some color, without requiring mass amounts of water.

Some of the many plus sides to xeriscaping your land are:
* A much lower water consumption.
* Little to no mowing, if you opt out of having a lawn in conjunction.
* Less maintenance of your overall landscape.
* You can xeriscape in areas that have water restrictions.

Some of the disadvantages ox xeriscaping are:
* they do tend to take longer to prepare than traditional beds would.
* Some HOA’s aren’t going to be happy with this new less-green landscape.
* Weeds tend to enjoy these landscapes more than your traditional garden.

As with any other type of landscaping, you should take full advantage of your local garden center in your planning of a xeriscape. They will have all of the know-how in xeriscaping your yard within your own climate, as they tend to do better in dry climates. However, that isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy a xeriscape in any climate! Simply gather the information you need, and they can help to point you in the right direction for the plant life.

Much like your traditional garden beds, you will need to design the overall look of your yard on paper first. This will allow you to sculpt the beds, and mulch appropriately prior to planting your xeriscape compatible plant life.