Water Wisdom – Student Handout

xeriscape escapade…Plant it for the planet!

Xeriscape (ZIH-rih-skape ): A type of landscaping that promotes water conservation by using plants that don’t need a lot of water. “Xeros” comes from the Greek word meaning “dry”.

Seven principles for planting a Xeriscape:

1. Planning and design.

Look at the area that is to be planted. Are there plants there already? Will they stay or be removed to create the new garden? Does the area to be planted get a lot of sun or is it in the shade? Is it near a fence or a wall or out in the wide open? Is it at the top of a slope or the bottom of a slope where water run-off collects? Choose a variety of plants with different heights, color and textures. This creates a beautiful and interesting garden.

2. Soil Improvements

What kind of soil is in the garden? Is it loose and sandy? Is it thick like clay? Is it somewhere in between? Soil that is too loose and sandy can’t hold water. Soil that is thick like clay is slow to absorb and release water. You may need to add 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or manure to the soil before planting. If planting native plants, then use the soil that occurs naturally in the garden. Simply loosen the soil before working it.

3. Efficient watering

A Xeriscape can be watered efficiently by hand (meaning it uses the least amount of water necessary and doesn’t waste water) or with an automatic sprinkler system. If using a sprinkler, make sure it doesn’t throw water high in the air or put out a fine mist since these types of sprinklers waste water by missing their target and by allowing more water to be evaporated by the sun. Also make sure sprinklers cover just the garden, not sidewalks, driveways or other paved areas. The most efficient sprinklers put out big drops of water and keep them close to the ground. This is called “drip irrigation.” Water deeply and not too often to develop deep roots. The best time to water is in the mornings and the evenings since the cooler temperature at this time means less water is evaporated in the sun. Water only when needed. Over-watering can kill plants and waste water.

4. Location, or zoning of plants

Different areas in your garden get different amounts of sunlight, wind and moisture. To waste less water, group together plants with similar sunlight and water needs and place them in an area in your yard that matches these requirements. For instance if a plant needs full sunlight, put it in the center of the yard, instead of under a tree or up against a shady wall. A good rule of thumb is to put high water-use plants in low-lying areas where water drains, or in the shade of other plants. It’s also helpful to put higher water-use plants near the hose where it is easy to water. Put low water-use plants in dry, sunny areas. Since they won’t need to be watered as frequently, it’s okay if they’re far from a hose. By grouping your plants in matching groups, you waste less water and ensure that your plants will grow.

5. Mulches

Mulches are usually organic matter made from things like tree bark chips or wood grindings. Putting mulch on the ground once you’ve planted your plants keeps plant roots cool and prevents the soil from getting dry and crusty. It also reduces water evaporation once you’ve watered your plants, and helps stop weeds from growing. Organic mulches should be applied at least 4 inches deep. As plants grow and spread, they’ll cover the mulched areas. Inorganic (non-living) mulches include rock and gravel and should be applied at least 2 inches deep. They are good for windy spots. Since rocks or gravel hold heat from the sun, they shouldn’t be placed on the sunny sides of a building or house (the west or south sides) since they will make the building feel hotter.

6. Lawn Alternatives

Traditionally, most American homes use grass to cover their lawns. These green grasses typically use a lot of water to maintain their greenery. Instead of planting a lush, green lawn, plant native grasses. These will use less water, be easier to care for and lend a beautiful, natural look to your Xeriscape.

7. Care and Maintenance

The first year or two, your new Xeriscape will probably need a fair amount of weeding. Once the plants grow and mature, they will crowd out the weeds which means you will need to spend less time working in the garden. In addition to pulling weeds, your Xeriscape will need proper watering, fertilizing and insect control, preferably with natural, biodegradable substances like garden soap. When your Xeriscape garden is well taken care of, you save a lot of water and you can sit back and enjoy its beauty!