7 Things to Know About Xeriscaping: The Art of Designing Gardens with Little to No Irrigation

Xeriscaping is about designing gardens in a way that reduces the need for irrigation. It is especially popular in arid places that don’t typically get a lot of annual rainfall (either year-round or during the growing season) or in areas that are difficult to irrigate.

In order to not waste valuable water reserves on water-hungry plants and lawns, xeriscaping is about using plants that are drought tolerant, using materials that can help minimize water evaporation, and directing what precious water there is to the right spots. Heavily reducing or even eliminating the need for irrigation is the goal.

In many areas out west, folks have really gotten on board with xeriscaping, and even some local city councils advocate for xeriscaping in their towns. Depending on where you live, xeriscaping doesn’t just mean cacti, succulents, and desert landscapes. There are many plants that will work in dry areas and provide stunning, lush, and even green gardens.

Xeriscaping and The Seven Principles

Source: AZ Irrigation and Maintenance/YouTube

Choosing plants that you know can withstand periods of drought without withering away is key. Many plants used in xeriscaping are local native plants or at least ones that will easily adapt to the local climate. They need to be hardy and durable to their climate whilst providing gardeners with their foliage fix!

If you research xeriscaping even at the most basic level, you will likely come across the ‘seven principles of xeriscaping’. And, while they are pertinent to gardening in low-water areas, they aren’t really out of the ordinary for any gardener anywhere; at least, not one who has some understanding of building soil and conserving resources.

It is said that by following the seven principles, 60% of the water used in ‘normal’ irrigation practices can be saved.

Source: Grow Local South Texas/YouTube

1. Plan and Design

Think about your space carefully. What do you want to use the space for? Who will use it? Are there children or pets involved? Think about what is available to you locally in terms of plants and materials.

As well, will there be someone to maintain the garden regularly after it is in place? Since this is about water, seriously think about the water you have available for irrigation in your region. Are there any watering or hosepipe bans or restrictions in your area?

2. Improve the Soil

The severity of drought that your area experiences and the types of plants you want to use will change how you amend your soil.  For example, soil that is rich in organic material can help to hold in moisture.

However, some plants do not do well in such rich soil and actually require much drier conditions. Improving your soil might include having to loosen it so that roots are able to take hold. Get to know the requirements of the plants that grow in your area and act accordingly.

3. Reduce Lawn Areas

Lawns are a huge drain on water resources. Folks use gallons and gallons of water to keep a lawn green just to keep up appearances. Instead, dramatically reduce the size of your lawn and opt for native drought-tolerant grasses or groundcovers, instead. If you can, eliminate your lawn altogether.

4. Choose Plants Wisely

Again, choose plants that are local natives. If you live in a dry climate, these plants are already adapted to surviving the local climate and can withstand times of drought. They are also more likely to be able to stave off local pests and be hardy to disease and blights. Local nurseries will be able to provide you with a whole bunch of plants suited to your area.

As well as thinking about which plants will simply survive in your garden, don’t forget to consider the size, shape, color, and texture of the plants you are choosing. Do they all work in your space and with each other?

5. Use Water Efficiently

Xeriscaping does not mean that you are never allowed to use water again in your garden. It is just about doing so mindfully and efficiently. Aside from choosing plants that require less water, you can also think about how you will provide water when you need to.

For example, underground drip pipes send water straight to the roots reducing the risk of water evaporation. Collecting rainwater means that you can make the most of the precious water you do get when you need it.

6. Mulch

Mulch is essential in any garden. It helps to block weeds, regulate soil temperature, and ever so importantly, holds moisture in the soil.

7. Maintain Your Garden

With a xeriscaped garden, you are going to have to be thoughtful about water usage. This is the whole point, remember? Keep an eye on your mulch and add a new layer when it’s getting thin. You don’t want bare soil! Make sure that any irrigation systems in place are working efficiently. You don’t need leaks or clogs! Keep the weeds at bay. You are supposed to be nurturing the plants you have chosen not the volunteers.

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