Photo Credit: Lane Greer

This Tucson, AZ, courtyard is functional and attractive. Wood chip mulch conserves moisture, and plants include cactus and native trees.

Not zero-scaping … Xeriscaping! Too often, when people consider how to decrease water usage in their yards, they think the answer lies in having no plants and all mulch, or “zero-scaping.” But that’s far from the truth.

Xeriscaping is a form of sustainable gardening, where native plants are often (but not exclusively) used. Xeriscape plants are drought-tolerant and suited for the region. Yards have less turf, and water is applied efficiently.

The term “Xeriscape” was coined by a Colorado task force during the 1980s. The group examined different water conservation techniques that could be accomplished through creative landscaping. The task force, together with the National Xeriscape Council, developed the “seven principles of Xeriscaping:”

1. Plan and design the landscape comprehensively. Xeriscapes don’t just happen – they need planning. For instance, let’s say you want an all-native garden, and you make arrangements for lots of native plants to go into your yard. Then you find the closest supplier of these plants is 400 miles away. Thinking through your project and investigating all aspects of your Xeriscape eliminates these morale-breaking problems.
2. Evaluate and amend the soil appropriately. Rocky and sandy soils lose water very quickly, but clay soils hold onto water. Compost also aids greatly in water retention, and it supplies welcome nutrients to plants. Examine and amendments to make it better for your plants.
3. Create practical turf areas. Many people have a large grassy yard – not because they need it but because all their neighbors have it. Unfortunately, lawns require huge amounts of water, and grass steals water from shrubs and trees, so you have to add even more water to keep plants alive. (Large lawns also contribute to global warming, since 2 percent of all fossil fuels are used in lawn maintenance.) Ask yourself how much lawn you really need. Most people find they can do with half as much. Divide the rest of your yard into various planting beds and/or plant more perennials, trees and shrubs.
4. Use appropriate plants. Plants native to a particular area are often used in Xeriscapes. One of the problems is finding which plants are native to your area and then finding them at your local nurseries. One thing to remember is that metropolitan areas tend to be warmer than the surrounding countryside (the ’ol asphalt jungle effect). Plants that grow great outside the city may not grow well inside an urban fenced yard, due to pollution and other disruptions. Keep in mind, also, that some neighborhoods have covenants against “wild” gardens, so your plant choices may be limited. (Not sure if a particular plant will work well in your area? Look it up in the Learn2Grow Plant Database, or check with your local garden center, nursery or Cooperative Extension service.)