Water is a precious resource and when we are talking about a region like Gardens in Calgary, where I am from, in which the climate is semi desert, then water becomes even a more precious commodity.

Denver Colorado residents in 1971 thought of conserving water, so they thought of trying out xeriscape gardening. If you still wonder what xeriscape means, it is actually Xeros in the Greek language which really means dry.

The following are 7 guidelines in Xeriscape gardening to help you to start out.

1) Polish your design

The concept from gardens is simple. Polish the garden design to meet the plant’s watering needs.

Group the same shrubs together in one area so there will be minimal water needs.

You can also try to bring together and plant sprouts that has little water need in the garden’s lowest level so the water from the highest level flows freely to the bottom.

2) What’s the turf for?

Actually, we really don’t need big turfs since it takes up too much water. Think of a better way to plant in our garden, and we’ll be able to use fresh water sparingly.

3) Low water plants are much better

Many plants that you will choose  should be drought resistant so it might be wise to use them in your  garden design. Following are some suggestions from experts.

Potentilla, pygmy caragana, mugho pine, sea buckthorn, many species of juniper. Trees such as russian olive, tree lilac, and pines.

Good perennials like silver leafed sprouts, spring bulbs and succulents. Find other annual flowers and they will do just fine.

4) Your irrigation has to be set up efficiently

One of the most vexing things is to have some one at the other side watering his lawn, yet the water overflows to the street and also to the neighbor. Change your irrigation system if you’re one of them.

Almost half of the overhead sprinklers are effected by evaporation. This might be the reason you keep on changing your aerial sprinklers. Drip irrigation is one of the few low emitting systems which has proven itself as a good alternative to overhead sprinkler.

It is understandable though if some people still prefer overhead watering system, there’s no problem with that! You can just do it first hour in the morning.

5) Consider using mulch

Use mulch if you’re trying to minimize evaporation in  garden. About 2 to 3 inches should be enough in your garden.

6) Modify your soil garden.

If you are have clay soil or sandy/stony soil in your garden then you must have noticed that either the water drains too quickly or too slowly, depending on the type of the soil in your garden. But if you use compost, leaf mould or peat moss then this issue can be easily resolved.

7) Care for your garden.

It is of prime importance to maintain your garden all the time. This can be achieved by weeding regularly, keeping proper mulch level, and efficient irrigation systems. If you can attend to this issues, then your garden should be that economical in watering needs.

Quite simply, xeriscaping will be that effective for people if they wish to conserve fresh water.

If you apply even some of the above mentioned techniques to your gardening then I am sure that you will be one in good shape with the changes of tomorrow.

It is expected that water bylaws will be getting tougher with the passage of time and that is when you will realize the worth of xeriscape gardening in conserving water, and preventing fines for water loss.

In the course of time, drip irrigation would be the choice of the majority over the overhead sprinklers.

You should be able to know that the key is to have fun in gardening and of course be intelligent in your use of water. Even if you don’t have  Gardens to maintain like idea, research plants in your local area to make this work!

It doesn’t matter if you are engaging in a Calgary Garden Design or are are designing in some other region, using water wisely is important. In my Calgary Gardens we always take these xeriscape principals into consideration.

Written by: Custom Stone and Waterscapes ‎3829 Parkhill Place SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2W6 (403) 870-1142