XERISCAPING

AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE HOME GARDNER

By Brian Haniford

Prairie & Parkland Plants

Xeriscaping is a method of Gardening or Landscaping wherein the design and use of Plants take less water than a conventional design and plants. The goals that Xeriscaping strives to meet are: (1) Radical Water Conservation and (2) Preservation of Beauty in the Landscape.

There are seven principles of Xeriscaping, they are:

2. Limit Turf Areas. Grasses are the highest users of water. Without large quantities and frequent watering, grasses will not flourish. Cut back the grasses in those areas that should be Xeriscaped.

3. Select low-water-usage plants. This is your challenge to select those plants that will have high drought tolerance in addition to being hardy for your Zone. There are many Native plants that fit the requirements. You may choose from Shrubs, Trees or Annual and Perennial Flowers. Those plants that have Grey or Silver Leaves are very suitable. For variety, Spring Bulbs may be suitable as they emerge, flower and wither while the temperature and sunlight have not maximized.

4. Irrigate efficiently. The watering of your Xeriscaped area doesn't follow the same schedule and quantities as your lawn, flower beds or garden. The best system of watering in this area is drip or trickle. The plants themselves do not require & will not benefit from their foliage being dampened. Water only when necessary and make sure to water deeply to encourage the roots to go downward in search of water. Don't be over anxious to water your Xeriscape plants.

5. Use Mulch. More and more this method of moisture and weed control is being adapted to gardening. In your Xeriscaping the use of mulch is one of the best methods to keep the soil moist and cool. Materials for mulch are varied therefore your choice will depend upon the plant needs and your esthetical requirements. Some of the materials you can use are: Newspaper, Grass Clippings, Wood Chips, Saw Dust, Plastic Sheeting, Landscape Fabric, Rock or Compost.

6. Amend the Soil. The better condition the soil is in, the more efficiently the plants will be able to make use of the water and nutrients. Work in plenty of organic matter. Compost, leaves, grass clippings, peat moss, manure or vegetable cuttings from the kitchen all will be beneficial. This amendment of the soil also aids in the retention of the moisture.

7. Don't ignore maintenance. Although the plants that you use are hardy and require less water, the weeds that have adapted to the same conditions will flourish. Keep up on the weeding to reduce the competition for water, also the appearance of your Xeriscape Garden is one of the pleasures that you are striving to achieve.

Now that you have some of the basics of Xeriscaping, the actual act is up to you. There are not specific designs or plants that I could point you to, but there are several books and magazines that include this as a topic. You can do your research and when you have made a design and plant selection list, then your local nursery or garden centre can be approached as to their supply.

A lot of the Xeriscape plants are slow growing. If instant gratification is your goal, then you must be prepared to put out the extra costs of larger plants. There are several smaller plants that are suitable for Xeriscaping, consider them along with larger plants such as shrubs. Xeriscape plants could be planted with the smaller ground hugging and covering ones in front with the taller towards the back.

If you choose to do a Xeriscape garden, I would be pleased to discuss with you your plans.

Brian Haniford

Prairie & Parkland Plants

Box 68, Torrington, Alta, ToM 2B0

403 631-2398