8/14/2019 Xeriscape Garden

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Xeriscape Garden(Low water use garden)

Xeriscape is an American term derived from the Greek word “xeros” meaning dry and “scape” fromthe word “landscape”. It was first coined by the Denver Water Board of Denver, Colorado in 1978. Itis a method of landscaping that can be applied to any garden or landscaping style and does not mean

that water cannot be used as a feature. A fountain or pond designed to be water efficient and using arecirculating pump will use very little water and bring added interest to the garden. Gardens can beformal or informal, modern or traditional and can be designed for individual requirements and localconditions.

‘It has been estimated that proper planting lowers air temperature in summer by as much as tendegrees centigrade and ground temperature by three times as much, reducing the heat load into thehome by more than 70%. One big oak tree can provide as much cooling as five domestic air conditioners, and evergreens are equally efficient at protecting the home from cold winter winds.’ 1

The principles of Xeriscape gardening are based on sound horticultural principles and can be used tosave water in new or established gardens. If the Xeriscape principles are followed, maintenance of 

your garden will be reduced with fewer weeds, less water and fertiliser.

Trees

Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Pyrus ussuriensis Manchurian Pear 

Ginkgo biloba Maiden Hair Tree  Arbutus unedo Irish Strawberry Tree

Koelreuteria paniculata Golden Rain Tree Ceratonia siliqua Carob

Lagunaria patersonii  Norfolk Is. Hibiscus Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm

 Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak Callitris preissii  Native Pine

ShrubsLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea-tree Melaleuca huegelii  Chenille Honey myrtle

 Alyogyne huegelii  Native Hibiscus Viburnum tinus Laurustinus

 Abelia grandiflora Glossy Abelia

Westringia fruticosa Coastal Rosemary Cistus spp. Rock Rose

Templetonia retusa Cockies Tongue Euonymus japonicus Japanese Spindle

Calocephalus brownii  Cushion Bush Grevillea spp. Grevillea

Olearia phlogopappa Dusty Daisy Bush  Artemisia spp. Wormwood

Eremophila spp. Emu Bush Gossypium sturtianum Sturts Desert Rose

 Agave spp. Agave  Aloe spp. Aloe

Crassula spp. Crassula Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush

Lavandula spp. Lavender  Salvia spp. Salvia

 Agapanthus spp. Agapanthus Dietes spp. Wild Iris

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Kniphofia spp. Red Hot Pokers

Groundcovers

Kunzea pomifera Muntries Myoporum parvifolium Creeping Boobiala

 Atriplex rhagodioides Silver Saltbush Sollya heterophylla Bluebell creeper 

1. Quote from ‘Mice Don’t Like Spearmint’ by Margaret Knight. 1990