M R S . C L A P H A M ’ S 4 T H G R A D E C A T S C L A S S

J A C O B S O N E L E M E N T A R Y

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping: Definition

A form of landscaping that uses drought adaptive plants, non-exotic plants, no sprinkler system, less irrigation, less maintenance, and used in arid region

Origin: Comes from Greek word “xeros”

Xeriscaping

Done in hot and dry places Uses less water Uses drought adapted plants Most regions in the west do this Cuts water usage by 50-75% Denver, Colorado , was one of the first

urban areas to support xeriscaping Helps during drought Has environmental and financial

benefits Doesn’t require fertilizing, mowing,

and weeding Can be made into a blooming garden Cannot use exotic plants Xeriscaping saves 120 gallons of water

a day Uses less chemical intervention Reduces air pollution

Pros And Cons

Pros Cons

less water consumption Plant selection can be more limited

Less water bills and it takes 2/3 less water

Xeriscaping can be really expensive depending on the plants chosen

Lower maintence and it makes water available for other things

Plants require more care

Less need for pesticides and herbicides

More hospitable environment for birds and wildlife

Increased property values

Takes less time and effort to do

Advantages

Uses 50 % to 75% less water then other landscaping

Cheaper water bills

Less lawn-mowing

You spend less time in your yard and more time in your home

Disadvantages

Requires a lot of planning

Can waste water if not managed correctly

Limited plant selection

It may be required to have a more complicated irrigation system

You still have to work in a xeriscaped garden

Cost

The cost of xeriscaping can be expensive, but worth it for the long run.

People pay from $1,500 – $5,038 to install xeriscaping in their yards.

The average cost for a drop irrigation system is $607.13

Types of plants, irrigation system and affect overall cost.

Most Popular Plants & Trees

Acacia tree It is easy to plant

Pine tree It doesn’t drop

leaves

Oak Tree It doesn’t have

much pollen

(allergies)

Cactus It doesn’t need

too much water

Most Popular Shrubs

• Blue Hibiscus-It has a lot of colors

• Grevillea-Great for decorations

• CistusGreat for welcoming visitors

• Yellow BellsVery beautiful

Soil

Good soil has silt, sand and clay

Too much sand drains water

Too much clay causes runoffs

Very important to keep an even balance of the three!

Mulch

Noun: Material (such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost) spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/

Organic mulch is the best

Prevents runoffs

Prevents weeds from growing

Can be used to create decorative

paths

Do’s And Don’ts

Do’s Don’ts

Use your imagination to create a beautiful scenery

Don’t think your stuck with colorless vista of cactus

Use perennial flowers in close groupings

Don’t over plant woody shrubs

Install drip irrigation Don’t be afraid to keep small patch of lawn

Consider seasonal interest Don’t bother to start with large specimens

Group plants by their watering needs

Don’t be too quick to cut plants back in winter

Check into rebates for getting rid of lawns and installing shade trees

Don’t skimp on your soil prep

Design

When you design a xeriscape landscape be sure to…

Plant trees to the south or west of the seating

Go with native plants

Always use a drip irrigation

Pick a selection of plants that benefit from each others water

Use 3- 4 inches thick of mulch

Installation

1.Grading and soil prep

Direct the water through grading

Make use of natural rainfall

2.Irrigation

Sometimes, hand water the plants

Most people use point source drip irrigation

3.Finishing touches

Harmonize décor with plantings

Use shallow-root planters to decorate walls and tables

Add beauty with a water feature

Irrigation

Landscapes need regular watering for two summers so the roots can grow deep in the soil

Grading soil carefully encourages winter rain water to go to water needing plants

Hand watering should only be done in a landscape with drought tolerant plants

Sprinkler systems are a waste of water Drip irrigation systems are in 90% of landscapes

Put an automated timer on drip irrigation systems

Point source drip is the original source of drip

Bibliography

http://facilities.unlv.edu/landscape

http://www.dwa.org/xeriscape

http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/xeriscaping/?ar_a=1

http://regina.ca/xeriscape

www.landscapingnetwork.com

http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/xeriscape-landscaping/design.html

http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/xeriscape-landscaping/how-to-install.html

https://www.fcwa.org/story_of_water/html/costs.htm

http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/xeriscape-landscaping/cost.html

www.cupertino.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspk?documentid=8090

http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/landscape/install-landscaping/

http://nxnwl.com/waterconservation/xeriscaping/

Bibliography

www.landscapingnetwork.com/Xeriscape-landscaping/

www.free-info-site.com/free...tips.../pros-and-cons-of-xeriscaping

Google images

ext.colostate.edu

Google definition (for sod)

http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/X/AE_xeriscaping.html

Microsoft images

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/

http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/X/AE_xeriscaping.html

http://www.networx.com/article/cope-with-water-shortages-by-xeriscape-g

Clip art

Thank you!