How to Xeriscape Your Yard for Efficiency and Aesthetics

Maybe you’ve heard of xeriscaping. It’s a type of desert-style landscaping, right?

Actually, I’m here to tell you that it’s way more!

By definition, xeriscaping is landscaping geared to dry climates where little irrigation is available. It involves the cultivation of “xerophytes,” or plants that require very little water, like cacti and succulents.

However, today’s interpretation of the concept is much broader, and may be applied to all climate zones.

How can this be?

Because xeriscaping isn’t just about growing plants where there isn’t much water.

And it’s not “zeroscaping,” a derisive reference to some landscapes where the concept was unsuccessfully implemented, or areas where zero landscaping has been implemented.

Instead, it’s about growing the right plants in the right places, and grouping plants with similar moisture requirements, to minimize maintenance and conserve water.

Natives and drought-tolerant non-natives are the best plants for xeriscapes.

Planting native plants is a great way to decrease water consumption, save money, reduce maintenance, and save time.

Because they are suited to a particular environment, you can give them a healthy start with watering and feeding, and then virtually forget them.

Another benefit of natives is that they attract local pollinating insects, birds, and other animals that are genetically wired to seek them out for food and shelter.

I recently wrote about native blue wildflowers. Two of my favorites are bluehead gilia (Gilia capitata) and mealy cup sage (Salvia farinacea) They both grow in full sun and require very little moisture.

The sage is especially nice at the back of a bed, as it is a bright