Xeriscapes aren’t a human invention. Xeriscape (pronounced zeh·ri·skayp) exists all over the planet in desert and arid climates and areas where cyclical droughts are the norm. The root “xeri” means zero and refers to the landscape’s ability to thrive without regular irrigation.
Here in Santa Rosa, we benefit from a Mediterranean climate – but one prone to droughts. Therefore, wise home and business owners focus on drought-tolerant landscape design – the very essence of xeriscape.
Xeriscape Sana Rosa: There’s No Need to Sacrifice Abundance
That said, there’s no need to worry that your Santa Rosa xeriscape’s minimal water needs translate to sacrificing abundance, lush foliage, or bright seasonal colors. Quite the opposite. Sonoma county is lucky to have an indigenous tree, shrub, and plant base that supports year-round greenery, color, and interest.
Here are three basic tenets of creating your own xeriscape landscape design. Use them to guide your initial planning stages. Then, connect with a local landscape design team specializing in xeriscape to watch your ideas sustainably come to fruition.
1. Observe your property’s micro-climate
Our county has a wide range of climates, from drier and more arid climates to the north and east, to wetter climates as you approach the coastal areas and into the redwood forests. Even a single quarter or half-acre can have multiple microclimates based on sun/shade exposure or soil drainage.
Observe your property and selected landscape areas, and evaluate them through a no-irrigation lens.
- What are the various soil types?
- How does water move, drain, or not drain?
- Which areas get the most sun versus the most shade?
- Which areas are more exposed to the wind?
- How does sunlight move across your landscape?
- How do soil/sun/shade conditions change with the seasons? For example, areas protected by deciduous trees during the spring and summer may be more exposed to winter sunlight once the leaves fall.
Draw a map of your property and take notes at different times of the day and throughout the seasons. You can fill in seasonal gaps if you have outdoor photos from previous years. Otherwise, your landscaper will make astute guesstimates based on lot orientation and existing tree/shrub/plant species.
This assessment helps you determine which plants will grow best – and where. Ideally, we’d work with the existing soil on your property – without too much amendment – replicating what Mother Nature already provides. However, in some cases, initial soil amendments are necessary to restore or reconfigure previously manipulated soil during construction or previous non-xeriscape landscape plans.
2. Minimize lawn space (or eliminate them)
Green lawns are incredibly water consumptive. The most complete Santa Rosa xeriscape landscape has zero lawn space. We understand if you can’t imagine a yard without some lawn space. However, it’s best to limit the size of the lawn to minimize water usage. Similarly, you may find that relocating the lawn makes more sense.
Shadier spots require less water, making better homes for lawns. And we promise there are plenty of drought-friendly, green groundcover options that provide the visual appeal of a cool green lawn.
Dichondra is a perfect example of a green, drought-tolerant ground cover that makes an excellent substitute for lawns. Once established, dichondra requires very little water and can be mowed just like your lawn (although it requires far less mowing than a lawn does). Best of all, dichondra feels soft and lush underneath bare feet and doesn’t cause itchy skin after sitting or lying down on it.
3. Mimic Mother Nature’s plant selection
Xeriscapes can and do include plants native to other parts of the county or the globe. However, we recommend mimicking the native landscape as much as possible. And, as referenced above, that’s pretty easy to do here in Sonoma County, where tree, shrub, and flowering plant diversity abounds.
Before meeting with your landscape designer, we recommend visiting the University of California’s page on Master Gardening and native, drought-tolerant plants. They’ve cataloged extensive lists of native plants that thrive in drought-tolerant landscapes. Pay careful attention to the codes as you navigate the lists.
- “N” stands for Native, and those plants are best for a xeriscape landscape that honors our cyclical rain/drought cycles and supports native wildlife populations.
- “L” and “V” stand for low-water and very low-water needs. This is the priority for a xeriscape.
- “S,” “A,” “P,” & “F” stand for full sun, afternoon shade, part shade, and full shade.”
- “s,” “m,” and “g,” means small, medium, or large.
Those are great for beginning planners to get started. However, if you’re up for more complexity of design, you can also look for plants that serve your property’s needs based on seasonal observations in terms of things like “deer resistance,” “pollinator friendly,” “erosion control,” “wildlife habitat,” and so on.
Ready To Get Started on a Xeriscape Landscape?
The team at XXX are xeriscape Santa Rosa professionals who specialize in planning, implementing, and maintaining xeriscape landscape designs. Contact us to schedule your on-site consultation and begin designing a drought-tolerant landscape specific to your property’s microclimate.