Xeriscape Your Garden

Xeriscaping is a form of gardening that was designed for dry areas where watering can be a challenge. By spending some extra planning time choosing the specific plants and garden design, you can conserve water and save time on maintenance.

Allow areas for seating, and walkways. Plan larger trees, ornamental grasses, and shrubs for extra shade, privacy or sound proofing. They also reduce evaporation by blocking the wind and keeping the soil cool.Certainly, the joy of watching wild birds at close quarters is more than enough reason to put out bird feeders. We like birds and enjoy having them around. We like to hear their songs through our open windows on a spring or summer day, and their vibrant colors brighten up a winter day when much of our landscape can look pretty bleak.Feeding the birds is a hobby you can start at any time of the year with very little trouble. Winter is the obvious time, as their natural food supplies are low. But different species will visit your feeders during their annual spring and fall migrations, as well as during the nesting season. I get a kick out of the wren that sits on the bar at the feeder and throws seeds, one after another, onto the ground. I don�t know what she�s looking for � maybe a bug. The young cardinals and towhees sit on a branch overhanging the feeder, shivering and cheeping plaintively until their father flies up and stuffs regurgitated seeds into their open beaks.Mulch should also be spread to retain moisture, keep the soil cool and block out weeds.Solving landscape problems is not too difficult if you use a little creativity. These problems can transform eye sores into beautiful additions to your yard that create enjoyment for you and add distinction to your home environment.Irrigation: Use drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses for regular watering. They prevent over watering and are less prone to evaporation than sprinkler methods. Don't waste your rainwater. Set up some rain barrels and use them with your irrigation system, or direct your drain spouts towards plants that require more watering.Limit Grass Areas: While you want some grass these areas should be limited due to their high maintenance and high moisture requirements. Wherever possible plant water-saving varieties of lawn seed. Consider converting existing lawn areas to rock gardens, or patio.The Basic FundamentalsSide yards are usually among the most common of landscape problems. They are so narrow that they may be hard to maintain as far as lawn is concerned, and they also make better passages than practical places to play or sit. Sometimes they seem like the perfect place to �store� odd items and then simply turn into junk heaps. To prevent junky or barren side yard from tainting an otherwise beautiful landscape design, turn into a cottage garden or courtyard garden. Perennials and ornamental grasses, all in a variety of colors, are perfect for side yards. Turn it into a kind of wild little garden full of color. It will look beautiful and will not be an inviting place to stack junk. If you would still like to use the side yard as a pathway, it is possible to install a little pathway made from stone.Exposed air conditioners and swamp coolers can be very visible blights on the landscape. While this is mostly a problem of aesthetics, exposed appliances can be heated by the sun, causing them to work harder and use more energy. Both of these problems can be fixed simply by planting a small tree or a hedge. The offending appliance is screened from view, and the shade helps keep the unit cooler, resulting in lower energy bills. This can even be done in areas where space is at a premium: you can plant a narrow hedge of nandina (should be 30 inches from the unit) or you can add a trellis with a colorful vine or climbing roses.There are areas in your landscape that are too small for grass, and sometimes you may have odd corners that are not feasible for you to plant grass. Most of these areas are near an entrance, or at the edge of a patio or deck. Some of them are near walkways. No matter where they are, these areas are hard to mow and otherwise maintain. Solutions to these problems are also varied. Making use of containers with plants is an attractive solution. One large container with one plant can be used, or it is possible to make a small container garden with a variety of plants in containers of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Problem areas such as these are also ideal locations for accent objects such as an obelisk, a stature or even topiary bushes. Water features can add cooling and soothing effects to your landscape, and there are a variety of water features that can be built to fit into nearly any space.Plan your garden on paper by noting the north, south, east and west and any features that may affect your planting choices. For instance are there any large shade trees, or areas that receive more sun than others. On hot, dry areas facing the south and west, use plants that require less moisture. For north and east-facing slopes, choose plants that need more water.

Maintenance: Although there is much less maintenance required in tending a xeriscape garden, it is important to stay on top of any weeds that do pop up and ensure your garden is fertilized regularly. Pick off faded flowers to extend blooming times.

Author: Mike Askins