Xeriscaping is creating a garden that uses less water then other landscaping. By using plants that are drought tolerant and doing things that conserve water, you can have a beautiful garden with lots of flowers, shrubs, and trees. A xeriscaped yard will reduce your outdoor water needs and give you one that is easier and cheaper to maintain.
Some local water districts in high drought areas will even give their customers a rebate on their water bill if they xeriscape. So you not only save money by having a reduced water bill, you'll get a credit on your bill as well and may not have to pay a water bill for several months. Check with your local water district to see if they offer this rebate.
Xeriscaping uses water-efficient plants for a beautiful landscape. It doesn't mean you have to have a rock garden and a bunch of cacti and yuccas. A cactus garden in Zero-scaping. There are many plants that grow well in full hot sun with little water. Xeriscape can be implemented anywhere from the Mojave Desert to Nome, Alaska. Check with the local nurseries or garden centers for drought resistent plants best suited for your planting zone.
There are seven essential components of xeriscaping:
Following the above fundamentals of xeriscaping will allow you to enjoy the attractive, economical and time-saving results for years to come, as well as contribute to the health of our environment.
For more information on the fundamentals of xeriscaping, books about xeriscaping and some places where you can order plants or see pictures of the plants, check the links below.
WebCoast Xeriscaping
1) Appropriate Planning and Design
2) Minimal Turf Areas
3) Appropriate Soil Preparation and Analysis
4) Appropriate Plant Selection
5) Efficient Irrigation
6) Appropriate Use of Mulches
7) Proper Maintenance
Xeriscaping in Austin, Texas
Serra Gardens
Fine Gardening
A New Kind of Landscaping
Landscaping Wast Prevention
Photos of some common xeriscape plants
Amazon Book Store, books on xeriscaping
Seven Steps to A Water Saving Garden
Boulder Enercy Conservation Center
Canadian Hands Off Gardening
Drought-Tolerant Plants for North Carolina
Utah Water-Wise Gardening
Lycos Community Guide: Landscaping
HORT-AGENTS: Welcome to native-plants subscribe to list
University of Arizona CD-ROM offers xeriscape options to gardeners
List of Plants at Halawa Xeriscape Garden, Honolulu board of Water Supply
AZPLANTS: Arizona/Southwest plants mailing list subscribe to list
Let nature do the watering
Heartland Gardening - July 1996