Xeriscaping
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. In other words, Xeriscaping refers to the conservation of water through creative landscaping. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as climate patterns shift.
The word xeriscaping is a portmanteau (a blend of two or more words and their meanings into one) of xeros (Greek for "dry") and landscape.
Brief Description
Advantages:
• Lower water consumption
• More water available for other uses and other people (such as showers, sinks, hoses etc.)
• Less time and work needed for maintenance, making gardening simpler and less stressful
• Little or no lawnmowing (saves energy)
• Xeriscape plants along with proper bed design tends to take full advantage of rainfall
• When water restrictions are implemented, xeriscape plants will tend to survive, while more traditional plants may be unable to adapt.
Xeriscape Tips
• Check your local ordinances for landscape bylaws before starting. Some communities also have restrictions on turf grass plantings.
• For best results with drought-resistant plantings, use regionally-specific, native plants. Exotic species can be extremely invasive and can spread into natural ecosystems by birds and other wildlife.
• Find out what the annual natural precipitation is for your region, and how that precipitation is spread throughout the year. This will help you select plantings.
• Windbreaks help keep the plants and soil from blowing dry. Use trees, hedges, shrubs or tall ornamental grasses as natural windbreaks.
• Avoid watering during the hottest, windiest time of day. Early morning is usually best.
• How much to water? Your plants should begin to wilt during the hottest part of the day, yet perk up as soon as it starts to cool.
• Minimize the number of young plants. New plants need water more often than mature plants, which have deeper root systems. They also require more pruning.
• Keep faded flowers picked or clipped off to prolong blooming time.
• Practice "cycle" irrigation on turf areas. This refers to watering just to the point of seeing runoff, then pausing to allow the turf to absorb the water. Resume watering when needed.
• For related information, see our pages on drip-irrigation, lawn care and lawn alternatives.
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