Xeriscape Landscaping: What is it?
Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that uses as little water as possible. This type of landscaping is perfect for dry areas or where there are restrictions on landscape irrigation. The primary way that xeriscape is achieved is by working with native plants adapted to their arid environments.
If you live in an arid climate, you already know the challenge of keeping a traditional yard looking its best. Turf seems to be a constant battle, and flowers wither in the hot sun almost as soon as you plant them. What are your options? By researching native plants, you eliminate many plants that are not resistant to the heat of desert summers or the lack of water. Looking for sturdier flowering shrubs is a great way to incorporate blooms into your yard without having to worry.
Another concern you may have when considering xeriscaping is what to replace your turf with. You may have seen an increased use of artificial turf. However, we would advise against using this as plastics covering your entire yard will make your space hotter and can leach chemicals into rainwater. Instead, we recommend either a rock or succulent garden as an alternative.
Rock gardens are a great option as they allow real plants to be placed at any time, they still allow for a functional outdoor space for entertaining, and they are not harmful to the environment. Rock gardens also allow for lots of flexibility, as you add new pieces to your landscaping, you can rake the rocks away and plant.
Succulent gardens are also great options if your landscaping is primarily decorative, such as a front yard. They thrive on little water and minimal maintenance, they keep your yard cool, and they are gorgeous. Adding succulent gardens to a rock garden is a great way to keep your space largely functional but add natural beauty and help keep temperatures cool.
One concern with real plants is that when a heatwave comes through, many plants, even desert native plants, can struggle. This was very prevalent in the Southwest as we saw 100-year-old saguaros collapse in the heat. Even in normal years, spaces along driveways, boulevards, and planters can be very difficult places to keep plants alive; they often struggle to manage the heat and lack of resources these spaces have to offer. When looking for a landscaping solution that will not flounder when the weather is extreme, Desert Steel metal plants are a great option. Our pieces require no maintenance, no water, and are built to last a lifetime, and better yet, no plastics are getting put into the ground. You can also combine Desert Steel pieces with real plants to create a reliable landscape, even in those places that have become plant graveyards.
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