The term Xeriscape
means "water conservation through creative landscaping."
Water consumption and contamination can be reduced by
altering the landscape so that it's water requirements
are met by natural precipitation.
The
seven steps of Xeriscape:
- Planning: Design areas of your yard grouping together
plants that have similar light and water needs.
- Soil: Have your soil analyzed at your local county
extension office. Various plants flourish more in particular
types of soil. Junipers for instance, cannot tolerate
wet soils.
- Plant Selection: Select plants that will grow and
be sustained in the location you plant them. Group together
plants that have similar water and shade needs. Carolina
Jessamine and Autumn Clematis have the same water needs
and prefer sunny or semi- shaded areas.
- Turf: Different turf grasses have a varying tolerance
to drought conditions. Common Bermuda and Tifway Bermuda
both use very little water and have a high resistance
to drought.
- Irrigation: Design areas of your yard to have
vegetation with the same watering needs. This will allow
you to use less water and yet have a beautiful landscape.
Proper design will save money and conserve water resources.
- Mulches: Mulches help to retain moisture in the
soil
and promote and protect root growth.
- Maintenance: Just like people, a yard just needs
a little "TLC".
- Use
a mulching mower to nourish the turf.
- Aerate
to relieve soil compaction and to increase water and air
movement.
- Limit
broadcast spraying, spray pesticides only in problem areas.
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