The Benefits of Xeriscaping
As
we get into fall, dry crisp weather can wreak havoc on lushly
landscaped yards. Now is a great time to abandon
the high maintenance of water-reliant yards, and consider landscaping
with plants that are native to your area. Natives are often plants
that can survive with minimal water and care, and survive on their
own. In states that have predominantly more sunny dry days than
wet, rain days a year, xeriscaping may be a good solution.
Xeriscaping refers
to landscaping in ways that do not require supplemental irrigation.
It is promoted
in
areas
that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water.
In 1978, the concept of xeriscaping was actually
trademarked by the water department in Denver, Colorado. (Sorry,
we mean Xeriscape™).
Some common plants used in xeriscaping are agave,
cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum and thyme.
In some areas, terms such as drought-tolerant landscaping,
zeroscaping, and smart scaping are used instead.
The advantages of xeriscaping are vast. The most
obvious perk is lower water bills, and water conservation. Not
only do dry-gardeners save money, but they also save time. There
is less work needed for maintenance, making gardening more simplified
and stress-free.
With a La
Nina coming, southern states may have a
water shortage due to the forecasted dry weather. When water restrictions
are implemented, xeriscape plants will tend
to survive,
while more
traditional plants
may
not.
Dry scape plants are often those that also attract
butterflies, bees and other fauna as well.
You can see a full list of xeriscape plants here.