possibly you ’ve heard of xeriscaping . It ’s a type of desert - mode landscaping , ripe ?

really , I ’m here to tell you that it ’s way more !

By definition , xeriscaping is landscaping gear to dry out climates where little irrigation is usable . It involves the cultivation of “ xerophytes , ” or plants that ask very little piddle , like cacti and succulent .

Green hostas and ferns growing along a pebble pathway lines with larger brown stones.

Drought-tolerant perennialsblack-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)andbee balm (Monarda didyma).

However , today ’s interpretation of the concept is much broader , and may be apply to all climate zones .

How can this be ?

Because xeriscaping is n’t just about growing works where there is n’t much piss .

Have you heard of xeriscaping? Often associated with desert climates, it’s much more than succulents and cacti. This sensible landscape style conserves water, reduces garden maintenance, and provides habitat for endemic species. Learn all about its aesthetics and efficiency here on Gardener’s Path.

Drought-tolerant perennialsblack-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)andbee balm (Monarda didyma).

And it ’s not “ zeroscaping , ” a mocking reference to some landscapes where the conception was unsuccessfully implemented , or areas where zero landscape gardening has been implement .

rather , it ’s about growing the right-hand plants in the right place , and group plants with similar moisture necessary , to minimize maintenance and conserve water .

What Do We Mean by the Right Plants?

Natives and drought - kind non - natives are the good plants for xeriscapes .

establish native plant is   a great way to decrease urine consumption , salve money , boil down maintenance , and save time .

Because they are suited to a particular environs , you could give them a healthy offset with tearing and alimentation , and then virtually forget them .

A front yard filled with lavender and blue fescue for low water requirements and minimal maintenance.

Another welfare of natives is that they attract local pollinating insect , raspberry , and other fauna that are genetically wired to seek them out for food and protection .

I recently wrote aboutnative blue wildflowers .   Two of my favorites are bluehead gilia ( Gilia capitata ) and mealy cupful salvia ( Salvia farinacea ) They bothgrow in full sunand require very small moisture .

The sage is especially decent at the back of a seam , as it is a bright reddish blue blue , and over two feet tall . The gilia is a lighter shade , and about a fundament grandiloquent . If you ’re seem for a pa of color , blue is a striking option .

Yellow black-eyed Susans and red bee balm, with green foliage, growing along a pathway in the garden.

If you ’re planting non - native variety , begin by selecting those that have been cultivated to prosper in your climate zone , then ok - line your choices to those that can withstand water privation .

Once established , these plants will rarely require watering .

Lily greensward ( Liriope genus Muscari ) is a non - aboriginal , drought - liberal clumping ground cover that is used extensively in my expanse as a border plant .

Yellow yarrow and purple salvia in bloom in the garden.

I never need to water mine , and it partake space with aKnock Out ® Roseshrub that also requires little water .

When we xeriscape , we aggroup plants by their lachrymation motivation . That elbow room , if we do have to body of water , we can give exactly what each plant requires .

Grouping Plants with Similar Moisture Requirements

So far , we ’ve talk about works that can expand with little water . However , this is not the ending of the story .

Shade-Lovers Unite

Even in plush area , where the loam is sour , and fertile with wet , we can exercise landscaping with an eye to piss preservation and downcast alimony .

Take , for case , woodland garden with perennials .

Do you have an surface area on your holding that ’s very fly-by-night , where the grunge seems to stay damp ?

Purple lily turf with dark green grass-like foliage growing in front of light green plants and trees.

I have a reaching of mature trees that shelter several layers of flora below them , includingrhododendron , fern , Funka , and creeping genus Vinca .

I help to keep the arena moist by providinga generous layer of constitutional mattermade ofmulched leaves , and never have to irrigate this arena of my property .

Xerophytes, Take a Bow

This “ microclimate ” bear in stark contrast to another , in which I have clay - like soil that cracks when it ’s parched , and is home to a small rock garden of fearless creeping stonecrop ( Sedum spurium ) and hens and skirt ( Sempervivium ) .

Thesemoisture - hold succulentsare ego - sufficient , and I countenance them spread out to their mettle ’ cognitive content .

And if traditionaldesert - fashion xeriscapinngsuits your clime , I suggest a variety of xerophytes , such as :

Light green and reddish hens and chicks (Sempervivum) growing between gray rocks.

Kitchen Companions

If you’regrowing herbs , look for low - piss plants like :

Group them , so that in the event of a drought , you may handily refresh the whole gang with a handy watering can .

A Layer at a Time

If you ’re landscape on a grand scale , consider drought - large-minded trees and shrubs such as :

select aboriginal varieties , or those cultivated for your climate zona .

These will offer canopy and mid - plane layers of drought - tolerant plants that will thrive with minimal intervention .

An herb garden planted with lavender, mint, sage, thyme, oregano, and rosemary, in front of an exterior corner of a house with brick, cement, and white siding.

Also at mid - level areornamental grasseslikesedge , pampas , fountain , and phonograph needle , which will tally texture and front to a garden array .

At the lower horizontal surface , perennial such as sham indigo , butterfly weed , garden pink , and dead nettle areclassic low-toned - wet varieties .

And annuals likedusty miller , moss rose ( Portulaca grandiflora),cosmos , zinnias , marigolds , petunias , andsunflowershave been favorites of mine over the years .

Eastern redbud tree in bloom, with fuchsia colored blossoms, on a green lawn with other green trees and foliage growing in the background.

For many home gardeners , the gamy maintenance works in the thou is the lawn .

If you ’d care to reduce the time you drop mow , fertilizing , and lachrymation , you might wish to supersede turf grass with native primer treat plants that are self - sufficient , once establish .

instead , consider cut down high ( three inches or more ) to allow your lawn to make deeper roots and hold more water . This will save money and reduce tempest - weewee overspill .

An example of xeriscaping in High Line Park, Manhattan showing an old train bridge converted into a park area with low water requirements. Old brick buildings in the background.

Minimal Maintenance and Water Consumption

Not all xeriscape plant life are completely self - sufficient when it amount to sustentation and watering . Remember , we said that plants involve to be rear with watering and feeding when first plant .

As for maintenance , some flowering plant may be improve by pruning leggy stems to retain shape ordeadheading to advance blossoming .

Be sure to say industrial plant literature to fix the extent of care to expect with the plants you select . Low - maintenance mixed bag will bring through you sentence in the garden .

Regarding lacrimation , there will be times when there is a drought so severe that you will want to give your plants a much - appreciated swallow . But when you do , do n’t drag out the hosepipe .

or else , use a watering can and aim the spout at the soil story where the roots are , and not at the industrial plant itself .

Watering leaves and flowers is inefficient , and in direct sunlight with extreme heat energy , may burn the plants .

If you select flora that require occasional watering , consider put in a drip irrigation systemto water efficientlyat the dirt level . This is more economical than a sprinkler or hand-held garden hosepipe .

I recently visited a unique garden that feature native species and has an intricate rain watering system . It ’s the High Line , a public park in Manhattan that provides a refreshing escape from the bustling city below .

Taking It to the Max

If xeriscaping is all about aboriginal planting and water supply conservation , the High Line in Manhattanis an awe-inspiring example on a grand scale .

This park was once a freight stemma for the meat - packing district .

For years , the defunct track system was yet another tincture of urban blight . Today , it is a sustainable “ green roof ” garden lead , and a model for environmentally creditworthy urban preparation across the world .

What an inspiration !

A New Garden Attitude

From Manhattan to our own backyards , xeriscaping take in a positive environmental impact , by create habitat with aboriginal plants , and conserving water with native and cultivated drouth - broad metal money .

Are you ready to enter a new family relationship with your outside infinite , and save prison term and money at the same time?To briefly recap , here ’s what to do :

Your xeriscape is indisputable to flourish !

And when it does , you may stretch out on your favorite lounge chair and enjoy the view .

And for moredrought tolerant planting guides , try these next :

© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Originally published January 5th , 2016 . Last updated July 23rd , 2023 . Uncredited photo : Shutterstock .

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Nan Schiller