Nancy Lewis
MG Plant Sale May 9 9-2pm
Why Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping
 Maintain a healthy landscape
while reducing water usage
 More than plant selection -
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Landscape design
Soil improvements
Proper irrigation
Mulching
Proper maintenance
Advantages
Lower water bills
Frees up water
Less time needed
for maintenance
Reduce energy use
Reduce lawn
mowing
Advantages
Increased habitat
Beds better use
and trap rainfall
Utilizes water
instead of runoff
Water restrictions
less problematic
NASA photo
Disadvantages
More start up
preparing the beds
Homeowner’s
association may
reject nontraditional beds
Mind set
adjustment
May require more
maintenance
City of Kamloops BC photo
7 steps
Planning and Design
Soil Preparation
Appropriate Plant
Selection
Manage Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
CO State University photo
Mulch Properly
Appropriate Maintenance
Planning &
Design
Observe the site
•High use areas
•Views
•Wind direction
•Slopes
•Shade
•Traffic flow
Develop plan based on
•Appearance
•Budget
•Local restrictions
•Water and runoff
•Photo courtesy of Denver
Water Board
Zonal Planting
Hydrozoning
Taking advantage of
unique attributes –
Shade
Contour
Aesthetics
Water availability
ND State University
Planning and Design
Before
After
Oasis Zone
Highest water use
Where time is spent
Water access
Easier to maintain
More color
Vegetables
Transition Zone
Moderate water use
May require
additional water
during drought
May require soaker
hoses or drip
irrigation
Northern Gardens photo
Xeric Zone
Little or no
supplemental
water
Distant from
home
Unremitting
sunlight
Under maples
Soil
Preparation
Soil test is optimal
Sandy soil holds
water better with
organic matter
Clay will absorb
better and hold
runoff with organic
matter
2-3” of organic
matter
Soil Preparation
Good soil should
Retain water
Allow proper drainage
Allow oxygen to reach the
roots
Soil amendments should
be tilled in when planting
Create practical turf areas
Turf areas are high
resource demand
Play and walkways
Mow high to save
water 3-3 1/2”
Do not over-fertilize
Denver Water Board photo
Recycle clippings
Turf Areas
Credit State of ME Dept of
Agriculture
Photo courtesy of Sprinkler
Doctor
Trees & Shrubs
Shade
Water consumption
Block winds
Erosion control
Appropriate Maintenance
Appropriate
Plant Selection
Xeriphytic plants
Natives
Silver/gray foliage
Thick, glossy leaves
Reduced leaf
surfaces
Plant
Selection
Color
Height
Like water needs
Many varieties
Mulch Appropriately
Tree Doctor.net photo
Effective Water
Use
Water harvesting
French Drains
Jim Sanders photos
Roger Henthorn photo
Irrigation
Delivers water
immediately
Good for berms
Good for narrow or odd
sized spaces
No overspray – reduces
runoff and mold
problems
photo pgcd.net
Xeric Plants for Shady Areas
Epimedium Lilafee
Prunus caroliniana
Hellebores
Echinacea pallida
Stokesia laevis Mary Gregory
Santa Rosa Gardens photo
Hamamelis virginiana
Cirrus Image photo
Cornus racemosa
University of Connecticut photo
2000 Hosta of the Year Liberty
to
Syneilesis acontifolia
Narcissus
Xeric plants for sunny areas
Bluestone photo
Sedum Postman’s Pride
Physocarpus Coppertina
Sedum Dragon’s Blood
Achillea Fiesta Terra Cotta
Bluestone photo
Artemesia species
o
Antennaria neglecta
Asclepias tuberosa
Wisconsin Botany.edu photo
Ohio State University.edu
photo
Helianthus Summer Sun
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Hameln
Caryopteris Grand Bleu™
White Flower Farm photo
Nepeta Six Hills Giant
Echinacea pupurea White Swan
Centaurea montana
Solidago Fireworks
Peter Pan
Penstemon Dark Towers
Bluestone photo
Panicum
Liatris Kobold
Iris germanica
Viburnum acerifoloium