Xeriscaping
The Best Way to Conserve Water? Reduce the Need!
Among the latest of industry buzzwords is xeriscaping, an exotic word for a simple concept: minimizing our environmental footprint through energy-efficient practices, or in the most direct of terms…
Xeriscaping = Water Conservation
Some plants are simply more dependent upon hydration than others. Therefore, knowing what to plant and where to plant it remains the tried and true method of successful water conservation. Admittedly, all living plant material requires a bit of attention. However, xeriscaping practices that understand water scheduling and volume requirements can minimize your plants’ water demands; ultimately conserving energy.
In the true sense of practicing effective xeriscaping, water conservation is one element. In a more-encompassing approach, the criteria is broadened to include soil amendment techniques, including:
- good soil structure (limiting erosion)
- zonal planting (plants with similar needs are planted together)
- the use of protective coverings such as natural mulch (limiting heat absorption and water evaporation)
- the incorporation of microorganism supplement (improving nutrient absorption through the plants’ root systems).
Together, these practices create a solid platform for a successful xeriscaping practice.
Here are just a few of Vivid’s favored drought-tolerant, erosion-controlling plants:
