Xeriscaping is often also referred to as zero-scaping, or no-scaping, which are clever euphemisms describing the relative lack of watering needed and maintenance involved with a xeriscaped property.
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping or gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. A lawn requires a huge amount of water, fertilizer, and attention to keep it lush and green. With the possibility of draught-like conditions this year there are great alternatives to having a lawn. You might want to consider removing a portion or all of your grass and replacing it with Xeriscaping. There are a variety of plants and shrubs that do not require much water and can be a great substitute for grass especially if the yard only acts as a focal point.
Xeriscaping is an excellent solution that combines water-efficient landscaping techniques with artistic design. By replacing traditional grass with drought-resistant plants, gravel, and decorative rocks, you can achieve a striking and eco-friendly landscape. Xeriscaping not only conserves water but also reduces the need for frequent mowing and irrigation, leading to long-term cost savings.
Is Xeriscaping right for you?
Xeriscaping is great for those who want to save water and who don’t mind giving up a bit of green space. Those who still want a grassy expanse for their pets and children to play should maybe consider a 50/50 approach, with a front lawn xeriscaped and a back lawn traditionally landscaped.
And don’t forget that it is a bit of a fallacy to expect that xeriscaping will completely rid yourself of all landscape maintenance responsibilities. Shrubs and trees both require regular pruning to keep them healthy, and there is weeding and pruning involved with perennials as well.
Another tip to reduce your water bill is to take full advantage of Mother Nature by placing a rain barrel under your downspout, which can then be hooked up to a hose.
Common Elements of Xeriscaping
Very simply put, xeriscaping refers to a landscape that is made for less maintenance and that requires less water than traditional designs.
The following are some common elements of xeriscaping:
- Planning and Design: Assessing the space you have to work with and considering how it will be used.
- Soil Improvement: Improving the condition of your soil is one of the most important aspects of xeriscaping.
- Reducing Grass: Reducing the amount of grass in your landscape can help you save water.
- Including Native Plants: Including native plants in your landscape can help you save water and money.
- Using Water Wisely: Using water wisely is an important part of xeriscaping.
- Adding Mulch: Adding mulch to your landscape can help you save water and money.
- Maintaining Your Yard: Maintaining your yard is an important part of xeriscaping.
Drought tolerant planting ideas:
- Drought-tolerant shrubs: junipers, dogwoods, caraganas, hydrangeas, honeysuckles, potentilla, spirea, saskatoons, nanking cherries, and cotoneasters.
- Drought-tolerant trees: some options for trees that require less water than most includes spruce and pine, ash, hawthorn, lilac, and larch.
- Drought-resistant perennials: In Strathmore, these include asters, anemones, clematis, some decorative grasses, geraniums, daylilies, goldenrod, potentilla, stonecrop, cornflower, hens and chicks, and blanketflower.
There are several options for decorative rocks for xeriscaping in Strathmore. The most popular ones include:
- Lava Rock: This rock is a popular choice for xeriscaping because it is lightweight, porous, and provides excellent drainage. It is also available in a variety of colors, including black, red, and brown.
- Rundle Rock: This rock is a type of limestone that is quarried in Canmore, Alberta. It is a popular choice for xeriscaping because it is durable, low-maintenance, and comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
- Rainbow Rock: This rock is a type of quartzite that is available in a variety of colors, including pink, green, and blue. It is a popular choice for xeriscaping because it is durable, low-maintenance, and provides excellent drainage.
- Pea Gravel: This rock is a popular choice for xeriscaping because it is inexpensive, easy to install, and provides excellent drainage. It is also available in a variety of colors, including white, gray, and brown.
Big and beautiful boulders are also common for xeriscaping, as they add great visual appeal. They can be placed to add interest and dimension and help fill in spaces between plants. Boulders can also be useful for placing address numbers and to hold lights and other decorative elements.
