What Is the Meaning of Xeriscape?

Planning

• Xeriscaping is intended to reduce water consumption, promote plants that thrive in regional conditions utilizing only rainfall and reduce the need for garden fertilization and maintenance, which also consumes resources. Therefore, evaluate the sun exposure of your site and its slope or grade. Southern and western exposures result in the biggest water loss, and steep slopes lose water through runoff. Consider planting trees to shade an exposed site and planting ground covers to help slow water loss on a slope.

Soil

• Xeriscapes need healthy soil with plenty of humus to retain water. Plant roots need air spaces in the soil, so amend both clay and sandy soils with compost at a rate of half soil, half compost. Create this soil mix to a depth of 18 inches, the root depth of many plants and shrubs.

Maintenance

• A new xeriscape needs deep weekly watering in the summer, so using a hose or hand-watering may work better the first year than a sprinkler system. Soaker hoses are another option. Avoid frequent, light sprinklings, as this leads to shallow roots. Mulch the xeriscape each spring and fall to reduce evaporation and weed competition. Use an organic mulch, such as compost, wood chips, bark or straw.

Selecting Plants

• Many plants intended for dry sites are labeled "drought tolerant." This does not mean they thrive with no water but that they are able to survive through dry periods. Especially during the first year for perennials and first three years for shrubs and trees, deep soaking the roots of drought-tolerant plants is what makes them drought tolerant. A deep root system that can take up water from below the soil surface is essential.