The Seven Principles of Xeriscape : 1. Plan and Design 2. Soil Amendment 3. Efficient Irrigation 4. Appropriate plant and zone selection 5. Mulch 6. Alternative turf 7. Maintenance.
In Greek Xeri means dry or dry enviroment; Xeric means relating or adapted to an extremely dry habitat. Succulents such as cacti, aloes, and agaves are xeric plants.
Reviewing the many comments I've received there seems to be a little confusion on what xeriscape means to each reader. I believe we all use many of the same principles in our "non" xeriscape gardens. So I am going out on a limb and choose principle #4 : appropriate plant and zone selection as being the best definition of Xeriscape. By planting plants with the same light/irrigation zone needs, we create an area that is more efficient in water use. For example, if we plant a high water use plant like the Ajuga with a low water use plant like Yucca in the same bed we have to irrigate the bed heavily to keep the ajuga alive and thus over watering the yucca excessively. Thus using more water than necessary. I hope this explains the principle better.
Xeriscape Rock Garden
Solar Powered Water Garden
Sorry the focus is off.
No to Low Water Zone/Full Sun
No/Low Water Zone/Full Sun-Alternative Lawn Zone-Buffalo/Blue Grama Grass
Yucca and Penstemon
Low Water Zone
My son and I say adios.
Those are some gorgeous gardens. Goes to show what can be done even in the most extreme heat areas.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Dry can be beautiful :-) Great pics!! And love the project with all of the boulders :-)
ReplyDeleteBoulders make a landscape! Just wish they weren't so darned heavy!
I agree with Toni. Landscaping like this is beautiful and not boring like so many think.
ReplyDeleteSo much of it is just common sense. I place my plants according to their needs, even at the sacrifice of design. It's all much easier that way. I'm trialing showy tick trefoil this year in a hot, dry shady spot that has been the death of many other plants. It's grouped with other plants that can take hot, dry clay in shade. Unfortunately, the list of plants to choose from is mighty small!
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful gardens you've created, here and previous posts. I envy your work. I love landscaping personally but i chose postharvest physiology in choosing major field in college, because it is so hot here outdoors, haha! At least in my chosen field i stay indoors doing my thesis, and can do landscaping as a hobby even if it's not professional.
ReplyDeleteWow - very beautiful...I can't imagine moving all those boulders! But the end result is great.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly know how to make the best of your garden, it is fantastic. Here in Scotland at the moment it is too cold and too wet, garden still looking not bad.
ReplyDeleteYour photos explain the system well. Love the gravel garden pics as we have just started a gravel garden here.
ReplyDeleteHere in Venice is too wet for growing a rock garden, but I really enjoyed reading your post and looking your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteCiao to you and your son!
Great post! As water becomes more costly, it will help to know and adhere to these principles. I love using drought tolerant plants, but I need to place them better.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful garden! I love the boulders. Our problem here is that we have lots of rain throughout the year, about 60 inches annually, but we also have periods of drought. So I need drought tolerant plants that also love water!
ReplyDeleteGood point about plant selection and zones. When I think xeric plants my mind goes to desert plants that need little water but that wouldn't make sense in my zone 5 garden. I'm trying to bring in more native plants on my property as they are adapted to the climate and water conditions. That, for me, is xeriscaping for my climate.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed this series of posts. What a great gardening adventure!
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