I am not an environmentalist, never was-never will be. So now you are asking yourself where did Dena leave her mind? The truth is I have always (ask my mother) enjoyed the out doors. Trees have always fascinated me. The first words I ever put to paper were about Daisies. Not long ago I took my camera out just to take pictures of rocks. The energy savings, sustain ability and environmental blogs are just perks of my natural curiosity and personality.

Interesting Facts about Xeriscape                                                             

For most of the western United States over fifty percent of residential water used is applied to landscape and lawns. Xeriscape can reduce landscape water use by 60% or more.

In some areas, terms such as drought-tolerant landscaping and smart scaping are used instead.

• lower water bills
• more water available for other uses and other people                                                                                    
• less time and work needed for maintenance
• the gardener can be lazy during the hot dry months
• little or no lawn mowing
• xeriscape plants along with proper bed design tends to take full advantage of rainfall
• when water restrictions are implemented, xeriscape plants will tend to survive, while more traditional plants may not
• increased habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other fauna

Disadvantages

• requires planning, especially if color is desired throughout the season, as most perennials do not bloom continuously
• may require more start-up work to prepare beds for planting than simply laying sod
• some homeowners' associations may object to non-traditional plants
• requires that people moving from water-abundant to water-scarce areas change their mindset as to what types of plants they are able to practically and economically maintain          
• may have to substitute one type of plant for another
• xeriscape beds require periodic maintenance which is more involved than simply mowing and edging, especially to maintain color. Weeds and trash may also be more of a problem than in a traditional lawn.
• more complicated irrigation systems may be required
• xeriscape plants can waste water if irrigation is not properly managed
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