Xeriscape: Think dry

As I said, the whole xeriscape idea intrigues me.

The term is a registered trademark of the Denver, Col., water company so words like water-conserving landscapes, drought-tolerant landscaping, smart scaping and zeroscaping are used sometimes instead.

But you get the message: “xeris” is Greek for “dry.”

If we can’t water our lawns and gardens due to prolonged drought, than xeriscaping—or landscaping in ways that don’t require supplemental irrigation—is the way to go.

Basically, xeriscaping involves putting the right plant in the right place. With conditions along the coast becoming drier every year, growing plants native to North Carolina and the southeast that tolerate or avoid water stress will cut down on yard work, save a precious resource, and still make you property proud.

Grouping plants with similar watering requirements is paramount.

I know garden magazines say a mix of vegetables and perennials is pretty, but it’s just not logical when rain refuses to fall. Vegetables, fruits and annuals demand a lot of water—much more than established native perennials. Grouping and watering vegetables together—and not wasting water on perennials that can go without—will save time and money—and help guarantee you’ll be able to take a shower in the heat of summer.

Terminate turf
And do we really need grass? Large expanses of short, green turf? Xeriscaping encourages minimal drought-tolerant turf areas (e.g., children’s play areas) and larger sections filled in with borders and islands of water-efficient ornamental plants.

The idea is to eliminate the need to water (fertilize and mow) your yard. And since it’s close to impossible to grow a “beautiful lawn” along the coast without a lot of water, chemicals, pesticides, time and money, why bother? Dig in some native plants!

Dig in some organic matter (compost), too. It’ll hold water in our sandy soil a bit longer. If you cover the ground with a layer of mulch, the soil surface will be cooler and that precious water won’t evaporate as quickly.

Drip, drip
If you feel the need to install an irrigation system, drip is much more efficient than overhead spraying. If you’re stuck with overhead, watering in the morning or evening, when it’s less likely to be lost by evaporation, is more nature-friendly, as is adjusting the sprayers to point into the garden rather than onto the sidewalk.
You’ll use as much as 50 percent less outdoor water with a xeriscape landscape and won’t diminish the beauty of your home environment one bit. Why not give it a try?