The document discusses xeriscaping, a landscaping concept developed in Colorado to conserve water usage. Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems to create landscapes that require little supplemental water. It incorporates seven principles: design with different water use zones, efficient irrigation, mulch, soil preparation, appropriate use of turf, low water use plants, and maintenance. By following these principles, homeowners can have attractive, colorful landscapes while conserving water resources.
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The 7 Principles of Xeriscape - Parker, Colorado
1. Parker Water & Sanitation District
19801 E. Mainstreet
Parker, CO 80138
www.pwsd.org
Xeriscape
Almost half of all the water we use at home is used to maintain the landscape. The problem is that
while we live in Colorado, we have traditionally landscaped with plants that are native to regions
with much higher annual precipitation. To successfully grow these plants, we must supplement the
natural precipitation with our limited surface and groundwater. The use of plants with high water
demands is not our only landscaping option; fortunately, neither is removing plants from the
landscape.
The concept of Xeriscape was developed in Denver, Colorado, in response to water shortages in the
1980’s. Xeriscape refers to a landscape that uses little supplemental water. It does not refer to a
dry, barren landscape, nor is a xeriscape a "no maintenance" landscape. By using plants that are
well adapted, mulches that suppress weeds and conserve water, and efficient irrigation systems to
make the most use of water, these landscapes can have color and fragrance with only monthly or
seasonal gardening chores.
Xeriscape is not a landscape style or garden design. Xeriscape is a concept of water conservation
that may be applied to landscapes of any style, from traditional to English, Japanese to
Southwestern. They may be formal or natural looking. The principles used to develop xeriscapes
are good horticultural practices applied to our unique High Plains desert environment.
Xeriscape incorporates seven water-conserving principles:
• DESIGN
A good landscape and garden begins with a good design. Xeriscapes can be divided into zones with
different water requirements. An "oasis," a zone with the highest water use, is usually where people
spend more time (a patio area and perhaps the entry area, for example). The oasis receives more
water and, as a result, is cooler. This area may require more maintenance, and usually will be the
landscape's most colorful area. Beyond the oasis is a transition zone of moderate water use. The
transition zone contains plants that require less frequent irrigation and usually less maintenance.
Further away may be a low-water-use zone, which requires no supplemental water or very
infrequent irrigation during prolonged dry periods. Designing the landscape with areas of differing
water demands is called "hydrozoning."
• IRRIGATION
Irrigation is necessary in a xeric landscape, at least during the first few years while the plants' root
systems are developing. Following establishment, irrigation may still be necessary, depending on
the landscape design and plants' needs. The oasis and the moderate-water-use zones have the
greatest need for irrigation, but it is wise to plan irrigation even in the low-water-use zone to allow
for new planting, changes, and years of severe drought. Water deeply and infrequently to
encourage deeper rooted, more drought tolerant plants.
2. • MULCH
Mulch provides a cover over the soil, reducing evaporation, soil temperature, and erosion. It also
limits weed growth and competition for water and nutrients. Organic mulches help keep the soil
moist and reflect less heat. They work well with most xeriscapes.
• SOIL PREPARATION
Soil preparation is an important part of successful xeriscaping and gardening. In the oasis and
moderate-water-use zones, adding compost increases the soil's water-holding capacity. In the low-
water-use zone, soil preparation may only consist of rototilling to loosen the soil and reduce the soil
compaction in planting areas. Loosening the soil improves root development and allows better
infiltration of water and air needed by plants' roots. This is important in all water-use zones.
• APPROPRIATE USE OF TURF
The most controversial and misunderstood of the xeriscape principles is the concept of appropriate
turf. Turfgrasses have a place in the landscape, even the xeriscape. Turf provides a play surface for
children and pets, and is an important element in cooling the environment, reducing erosion, and
preventing glare from the sun. Consider where and how large a turf area is desired, how it will be
used, and during which seasons it will be used. Limit turf to useful spaces and determine which
grasses will best serve your needs. Be aware that the bluegrass turf we use in Colorado is very well
adapted to prolonged periods of drought. Bluegrass can be allowed to go dormant (brown) during
the heat of summer – it will recover when watered again in the fall or spring, providing use is
restricted during the dormancy.
• LOW WATER USE PLANTS
Plants that require less water are readily available in most nurseries. While you may use many of
your old favorites in the oasis zone, there is a wide variety of colorful, fragrant and beautiful plants
for the less irrigated part of the landscape. Many have long blooming seasons and attractive leaves.
Some provide fall interest with multihued foliage and fruit, while others offer an attractive winter
appearance.
• MAINTENANCE
Maintaining the landscape cannot be forgotten, even in a xeriscape. Pruning, occasional weeding
and pest management, checking that the irrigation system is functioning properly, and adjusting
automatic irrigation systems as the seasons change will be needed. The final design will determine
the level of required maintenance.
Xeriscaping offers a way to have beautiful, livable landscapes without excess water use. It allows
areas close to us to be cooler and hospitable, while investing less water on parts of the landscape in
which we spend less time. Even lower-water-use areas can be very attractive if the seven xeriscape
principles are employed.