Xeriscaping.

A smart way to fight drought and save water.

At its simplest, xeriscaping is about selecting plants that can thrive in the landscape with as little supplemental water as possible. This means choosing a variety of native plants, as well as other well-adapted species. It’s all about minimizing our water usage and our environmental foot print. This doesn’t mean we have to compromise on style.

Xeriscaping is an effective way of saving both time and money in the landscape, a benefit which everybody can appreciate. No need to water a lawn that doesn’t exist. Or thirsty thirsty plants that suck up your water and increase your monthly bills. Spending more time in your yard not working on it pulling weeds and trying to manicure the perfect lawn.

Another way of making the most of the resources on your site is by using grading and soil contouring to guide every bit of available moisture to a place in the landscape where it can be used, such as a rain garden. Think of it like trying to channel all the rain water from your roof and sidewalk to a designated place in your yard where you’ve planted some beautiful native plants.

While you may think the point of a xeriscape is that you don't have to water, in fact even xeric plants will need some water. During the first two summers, thorough watering at regular intervals will allow plants to develop the deep root systems they need to become strong. Once plants are mature, most people still water their landscape about once per week during the hottest times of the year. That's why professional landscapers consider a drip irrigation system a must for nearly all xeriscapes.

Though all landscaping has the potential to bring people closer to nature, people with a xeriscape may find an even deeper connection to the world around them. As you become accustomed to the natural cycles of the native plants growing in your garden, you'll notice the same plants and cycles when you go out into parks and wild areas. When you grow plants at home, you develop an understanding and a feeling of kinship with them, which can translate into a feeling of connection with the greater world around you.

Check out our blog post here to see some examples and read up on this new trend or look at some other styles we offer including Modern landscaping and Japanese Zen