With drinking water becoming more of a commodity in our lives, it is great to see a pro-active approach towards utilizing it to its maximum potential.  Texas is the place where an interesting new system called Xeriscape comes from.

The approach is simple.  And this is the key, so much of the information we receive from Environmentalists is dry, obtuse information that doesn’t take our daily life into account.  So my goal is to introduce you to this wonderful program in a simple manner as well.

The whole idea behind the program is to utilize water in an effective, non-wasteful manner.  

Xeriscape Landscaping incorporates seven basic principles which lead to saving water, they are:

1. Planning and Design:  Take a good look at your lawn.  Consider the landscape budget, appearance, function, maintenance and water requirements.  Instead of watering the whole lawn blindly, realize that some spots require much less water.
2. Soil Analysis:  This will determine whether soil improvement is needed for better water absorption and improved water-holding quality.  In other words, is the soil actually absorbing and storing the water?
3. Practical Turf Areas:  The suggestion is that turf grasses be used as a planned element in the landscape.  Turf grasses by definition require little water and take a beating from the sun, examples are:  Zozsiagrass, buffalograss and centipede grass. There are many varieties and they are all a nice shade of green.
4. Appropriate Plant Selection:  This one is a no-brainer.  The right plant keeps the landscape more in tune with the natural environment.  Both native and exotic plants make up the huge variety of plants available for Xeriscape landscaping.  Again, native plants have shown their ability to survive in the given environment.  They will help you conserve water. 
5. Efficient Irrigation:  By using the right type of irrigation, you can instantly save 30 to 50 percent on your water bill.  The truth is most water is lost to runoff by being applied too rapidly.  Plants drink very slowly (unlike humans), so to them a drip every couple of seconds is just fine.  Everything else is like a bucket of water on the head.  Are you beginning to see the picture now:  Plants that require little water, the right irrigation….more green in the pocket!
6. Use of Mulches:  Just an extra helper in keeping the water around the plant, allowing them to drink at their leisure.  It also prevents instant evaporation during the really hot months.
7. Appropriate Maintenance:  Easy.  Pruning, weeding, proper fertilization, pest control and irrigation all conserve water.

Xeriscape landscapes do not need to be cactus and rock gardens, like my detractors would probably like to point out.  To the contrary, they are green, cool landscapes full of beautiful plants maintained with water saving practices.

So get to it, Google Xeriscape, follow the plan, and save water and money.

Best of luck and go Green,

Douglas B. Garbe, Eco-Realtor