When it comes to creating the perfect garden, there are a number of options to choose from. One of the most popular, beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens you have at your disposal is a garden with Xeriscape. Our infographic below spells it all out.
Xeriscaping essentially refers to gardening with plants that require little water. In arid cities, xeriscaped gardens are becoming increasingly popular.
Let’s discuss how to turn your traditional, water-hungry landscape into a xeriscaped garden.
Why Xeriscape?
As more and more people become environmentally conscious, people are realizing how precious water is. Not only is it a smart thing, it’s also a good financial decision. Regardless of your climate and location, you can create a beautiful xeriscape landscape using local vegetation.
Here’s why you should consider a Xeriscape:
- It requires comparatively less maintenance;
- It saves a lot of water;
- You don’t have to use pesticides and fertilizers;
- It increases the value and aesthetics of your property;
- It allows the natural fauna to inhabit the area.
Top 5 xeriscaping ideas
There are many ways to create a beautiful and dynamic Xeriscape garden. Let’s take a look at the 5 best ways to achieve this.
1. Reducing the size of the lawn
Turning your traditional garden into a beautiful Xeriscape garden can save you up to 22,000 gallons of water.
Invest in a hardscape design by adding attractive plantings and elements like bird baths, rock gardens, fountains, and container paintings.
2. Succulents in a container
When it comes to xeriscaping, container gardening can seem impossible as the drying soil requires frequent watering.
However, succulents are the perfect solution! Succulents like sedum, cacti, and various other forms require little maintenance and even less water. You just need a lot of sun.
Consider choosing terracotta pots, as these will retain moisture and have a garden neutral color. You can even choose a resin, ceramic, or clay pot.
3. Choose drought tolerant perennials for pollinators
Natural pollinators like this hummingbird can be attracted to your Xeriscape. Image: Digitized House.
If you’re one of the many gardeners concerned about helping pollinators (like the often beautiful hummingbirds), consider planting perennials in your Xeriscape garden.
Perennials such as coreopsis, dianthus and echinacea are popular with pollinators and xeriscapers alike. Plants from the mint and salvia families such as lemon balm, hummingbird mint, Mainacht and caradonna also attract honeybees and hummingbirds.
4. Plant hardy and attractive herbs
Most herbs are drought tolerant and are a great way to add visual beauty and fragrance to your garden. Remember that rosemary, thyme, and lavender are excellent choices.
5. Use a shade garden
Shade gardens are a carefree zone for water and environmentally conscious gardeners. This is because most shade plants are drought tolerant. Ground covers like Vinca, Lamium, and Pachysandra are excellent choices.
If you live near a shady wooded area, it is a good idea to use mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots of the trees. You can even add colorful yearbooks or sculptures to further beautify your garden.
The xeriscaping infographic
In the following infographic from HomeCity, we discuss further design ideas for creating your very own Xeriscape garden.
Infographic: Courtesy of HomeCity.
