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Xeriscape is an effective and attractive alternative method of gardening that helps to conserve our water resources while providing a cost-effective and relatively low-maintenance landscape. Xeriscape is a method of landscaping that utilizes native, water-efficient plants which conserves water by eliminating the need for constant watering of lawns. With increasing populations putting more demands on our water supplies, it is imperative that conservation methods be used. Large amounts of water are used for watering of lawns, so by using water-efficient or drought tolerant plants and correct landscaping methods, you will help preserve our existing water resources and save money on your water bill at the same time.
You should check with your local nurseries or gardening books for listings of native, water-efficient plants for your particular region, then choose which plants you like best and begin to plan your garden. Some important aspects of Xeriscape gardening include the use of mulch to help prevent evaporation of water from the soil, using minimal fertilizers since excess growth of plants will create more of a water demand, minimizing grassy areas which require more water, and performing a soil analysis to make sure the soil is adequate to absorb water and support your efforts.
Always plan your garden first by sketching the area you will plant and then design the placement of your plants, rock, bark, etc. Avoid placing plants together that have different water needs, since one of them could either be over or under watered. Try to keep like plants together so watering schedules can be planned to avoid the disparities between the plants. Also, only water your lawn when it requires water and obey any watering restrictions your city or county might have in effect.
By using decorative rock, boulders or bark, and a variety of water-efficient plants, you can create an attractive landscape while helping to reduce the necessity of grass. If you decide to plant some areas with grasses, try to choose a variety that doesn’t require a lot of water, such as St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. If you live in an area that receives significant rainfall and have automatic sprinklers, a rain sensor device should be installed. This device detects moisture from rain and will pause the timer on the automatic sprinkler, then when the device dries out, it resets the timer to the regular cycle. This prevents over-watering, which saves money and our resources. When watering lawns, only water to a depth of ½ - 1 inch, depending upon your region and your grass type, and then only water when the grass needs more. By limiting the amount and not over-watering, you will allow your lawn to develop deeper roots which will create a more drought resistant landscape. When you mow your lawn, try not to cut the grass too close to the ground, instead leave the blades a bit longer, anywhere from 2-3 inches. By leaving longer grass, you are letting the blades shelter the ground from the sun and help retain the moisture already in the soil, once again saving water.
Water conservation should be practiced by everyone, even when there isn’t a water shortage. When people apply conservation methods all the time, our water resources are protected and in times of necessity, water restrictions most likely will not be as severe as they could be if water was being wasted habitually.
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