Watershed/Runoff: Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is the term that refers to landscaping in a water-conscious way. A lot of water is used to maintain lawns and outside landscaping; xeriscape gardening can help reduce the need to water.
Create Your Own Water-Thrifty Garden
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| Photo courtesy of Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society |
The seven principles of xeriscaping are
- Garden Design
Use resources such as your local nursery or extension agent to find out which plants are drought-resistant. As you would in designing any garden, take into account sunny and shady areas and which plants would do best in these spots. If mature plants are already in place, try to preserve them. Be careful not to damage the roots of the plants if you're digging nearby. Use larger plants like shrubs and trees to provide shade to other plants or your home. - Improve Soil
Ideal soil will drain quickly and store water. This can be accomplished by adding organic material such as compost. Aerating the soil can help as well. - Select Ideal Plants
Choose plants that are native to your area; they usually are well-suited for the natural amount of rainwater that occurs in your region. Use larger plants to help shade smaller plants that may not tolerate full sun. - Limit Turf Areas
Select a grass that is native to your area to reduce the amount of watering you may have to do. Turf areas add open space, which can be appealing to the eye. Try to limit grassy areas to spaces that are easy to mow. - Use Mulch
Mulch, made of materials such as leaves, compost and wood chips, helps the soil retain moisture while depositing organic material into the soil as it breaks down. Mulch should be several inches thick. More will have to be added as it disintegrates and becomes incorporated into the soil. - Irrigate Efficiently
Since your garden will be designed to require little water beyond rainwater, watering should be limited. If watering is required, use soaker or drip hoses to reduce evaporation. Consider using water collected in a rain barrel instead of water from the hose in order to reduce withdrawal from the water supply. - Maintain Your Garden
The required maintenance on a xeriscaped garden is minimal, though regular weeding helps to keep a tidy appearance. Add more mulch as needed, and enjoy the water-conscious garden you have created!
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| Photo Courtesy off USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service |
Xeriscaping can vary from region to region. Plants native to one biome may not be native to another, so visit your local nursery to see if they have plants native to your area or others that may be suitable for your local climate. Your local extension service may be another great resource. For example, the Maryland Cooperative Extension has an online brochure with tips and ideas for creating a xeriscape garden in Maryland. This brochure also gives an extensive list of drought-resistant plants and trees that grow well in the local area. Get more Maryland xeriscaping information [pdf].
Join the Discussion!
Do you have your own thrifty ideas for reducing water usage? Do you use xeriscaping or do you have additional questions about how it can help you conserve water? Join UMUC student Jeremy to discuss your Thoughts on Water.