Xeriscaping is the new trend of landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. As climate change affects rainfall amounts and access to irrigation water becomes limited in many parts of the country, xeriscaping is a viable alternative to many types of traditional gardening.
The focus of xeriscaping is to use plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to your local climate while putting measures to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. More importantly, xeriscaping produces green spaces that require very minimal maintenance and irrigation while promoting biodiversity.
Xeriscape Flower Bed Ideas
Here are our top 5 xeriscape flower bed ideas to help you create beautiful, dynamic flower beds that conserve water.
1: Use Rock Gardens for Xeriscaping
A terraced rock garden allows plants to better conserve water by holding moisture within rock crevices. If you have rock terraces or walls on your property, you are already halfway done with your xeriscaped flower bed. Rocks that are fitted closely together will trap moisture within and minimize water loss through evaporation.
Moreover, there are numerous ground covers and low growing plants that thrive in tight crevices with little soil. Even with minimal irrigation, these plants can still spill over rock surfaces and result in a natural, cascading look. You can achieve various looks such as creeping thyme, bell flowers, Lamium, creeping phlox, and many others.
2: Grow Mediterranean Plants
Mediterranean plants, such as those native to Spain, Italy, and France, flourish under plenty of sun and sandy soils, making them an excellent choice for the American xeriscaped garden. Mediterranean gardens often have plenty of herbs growing, which are useful for culinary and household purposes. Examples are rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lavender (Lavandula).
Lavender is particularly a powerful fragrant that is used in aromatherapy and perfumery. It’s also utilized in scent linens (it effectively repels mildew and insects). You can choose between English and French varieties, so check the hardiness zones to ensure winter survival. Plant lavender around your favorite relaxing spot in the garden so the flowers’ essential oils can lull you into a soothing reverie!
3: Use Succulents in Containers
Container-based gardening can be challenging for any xeriscape gardener since soil can quickly dry out and require plants to be frequently watered. The simplest solution to this challenge is succulents!
Succulents, which include cacti, sedums, and a wide range of other varieties, are hardy and require minimal water or care. Consider using terra cotta pots as they help retain some moisture and their color is a true garden neutral. Alternatively, you can choose clay, resin, or ceramic pots of any style you wish. With the freedom to move pots around, you have endless options for designing your garden space.
4: Consider Cottage Gardens
Cottage garden designs are surprisingly compatible with xeriscaping. Traditional cottage gardens feature plants in close proximity to eliminate any extra space where water could be wasted. Many classic cottage flowers are extremely drought-tolerant, and you can select them to bloom for three seasons of color.
Include iris, sedum, dianthus, caryopteris, lupines, yarrow, heuchera (aka coral bells), and helenium for a colorful and gorgeous textured cottage garden look. Deadheading spent blooms can also help the flowers to conserve moisture and encourage a second round of bloom.
5: Drought-Tolerant Perennial Plantings for Pollinators
If you are passionate about helping pollinators, there are many perennials that pollinators adore and are suitable for xeriscape gardening. Consider echinacea, dianthus, coreopsis, and other plant varieties from the salvia and mint families that also fall into this category. Some desirable options are hummingbird mint, lemon balm, as well as flowering perennial salvias such as ‘Caradonna’ or ‘May Night.’
Bee balm, as the name suggests, attracts honeybees, hummingbirds, and butterflies in droves. It produces an herby, minty fragrance that attracts a wide range of pollinators. Older heirloom varieties such as ‘Raspberry Wine’ or ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ often grow vigorously and reach heights of up to five feet, but newer cultivars are a little more compact and less prone to spreading. They are easy to grow in a sunny, well-drained garden and can be used to create magnificent swaths of color during long blooming seasons.
With these xeriscape flower bed ideas, you can turn your property into a luxurious haven without excessive water and maintenance requirements. If you have any questions or suggestions about xeriscape gardening, contact us today. We specialize in maintenance, repair, irrigation, and water-saving landscape design.