Xeriscape landscape design is a garden-style that is not only environmentally friendly but also attractive. Yards that can handle xeriscape landscaping ideas feature all types of plants and garden styles. Xeriscape principles make the most of natural-occurring water.
Top Xeriscape Design Ideas
There are a few reasons homeowners develop an interest in xeriscape designs. The most common include:
- It saves money on water
- It is more eco-friendly
- It requires little maintenance
These perspectives have an impact on the decisions made during the design process. For instance, if you are approaching xeriscaping from an environment-conscious angle, you want to select native plants. For a rental home, choose low-water plants. Here are things to consider in your xeriscape landscaping ideas.
Watch Out for Problem Areas
Survey your landscape and take note of areas that appear to be problematic in terms of difficulty to water and maintain. Pay attention, especially to steep slopes, narrow strips, and corners of your lawn, drought-prone, and rocky areas. For the stubborn areas, drip irrigation may be your best choice because it applies water slowly over more extended periods to minimize the possibility of a runoff.
Choose the Right Plants
A good design for xeriscape accommodates both drought-tolerant and native plants. These should be planted according to their watering needs. Grouping plants allows you to water what needs to be watered. Soaker hoses are an ideal watering choice because they allow water to soak into the ground instead of running off.
Transform your Landscape
Begin by improving the soil. Clay soil binds together after it rains because it has small particles. This enables the soil to form a tight bond to prevent moisture from absorbing into the ground. Ensure that your soil is rich in organic matter that acts as a sponge to hold water and release moisture.
The other idea would be to use mulch. A thick layer of mulch helps in maintaining a consistent amount of soil moisture. Pine needles, grass clippings, compost, and leaves, are some of the organic mulches to use. These minimize evaporation. Some gardeners also prefer stone and gravel, but these do not decompose and can make it challenging to move plants around.
Many xeriscape landscaping ideas can be embraced without limiting you to specific types of plants. These types of gardens can be designed in many styles. You only need to select the style that suits your landscape. If you choose the right plants and exercise xeriscape principles, you will achieve a thriving and head-turning garden. We specialize in maintenance, repair, irrigation, and water-saving landscape designs. If you are looking for a professional landscaping company, please contact us today.