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XERISCAPE 101

Eight years ago, my garden bed was filled with rock. Now, after implementing Xeriscape, I have a garden with year-round interest. (Credit: Marne Norquist)
Eight years ago, my garden bed was filled with rock. Now, after implementing Xeriscape, I have a garden with year-round interest. (Credit: Marne Norquist)

Xeriscaping is a logical, sustainable and beautiful way to makeover your landscape into a healthy, vibrant, water-smart growing space. During this especially dry summer, I have had the opportunity to assist many eager people in implementing xeric gardens. These folks are enthused and excited to transform their space to a place that creates joy and ease, not frustration and resentment.

There are many misconceptions about xeriscaping. For one, it is not called “zero”-scape, as I overhear often (pinching myself not to correct the innocent stranger). Likewise, it is not a garden filled with cactus, yucca and rock. And, it is not a “no-maintenance” garden. Xeriscape is a seven-step method of implementing mindful, water-efficient, low-maintenance and sustainable gardens. It is where natural beauty meets functionality.

There are seven principles of Xeriscape:
1 – Plan and design for water conservation
2 – Improve the soil (till compost in the soil approximately 6 – 12”)
3 – Limit turf area or select alternatives
4 – Irrigate efficiently (drip irrigation is ideal, as it directs water directly to the root zone)
5 – Select appropriate plant material and hydrozone plants
6 – Mulch – to reduce evaporation
7 – Maintain – weed and fertilize regularly

A great time, energy and research has gone into finding plants that thrive in Colorado’s unpredictable climate (and Denver’s prairie clay and harsh environ). Yes, yucca and cactus can be displayed beautifully, but so can many flowering perennials, shrubs and trees. Considering that we are in a semi-arid climate, we have quite an amazing selection.
Even though flowering dogwoods and magnolias, Japanese maples, hydrangeas, yews, boxwoods, viburnums and hundreds of perennials thrive here, using native species or climate-adapted plants – for which there are hundreds of varieties – reduces the need for pesticides, as they are more pest and disease resistant. Granted, we may have to manipulate the microclimate so that we can get something to grow, but that can be done with a mindful approach.

Efficient water usage doesn’t mean giving up or changing your lifestyle. It means reducing water wasted through proper irrigation and finding ways to achieve aesthetically pleasing landscapes without excess water. You will notice a significant decrease in weeds in a xeric garden. This is due to healthy soil, mulch and drip irrigation. You’ll also see brighter and more proficient blooms, and your water usage will decrease significantly.
While implementing a xeric garden certainly doesn’t happen overnight, it is an investment in your landscape – and thus, your comfort and your property value. When landscapes and gardens are designed to function synergistically and the natural resources are used mindfully, a harmonious ecosystem arises. Let harmony reign!

AUGUST GARDEN TIPS
• Divide spring-blooming perennials now, if necessary
• Fertilize roses for the last time this season
• Continue to monitor the moisture level of all recently planted trees, shrubs and perennials
• Reduce watering of trees, shrubs and perennials to prepare them for winter
• Keep harvesting herbs. Cut whole stems for drying. Many can be frozen or used to flavor vinegars (which make a great gift)
• Plant spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens and leaf lettuce. Harvest tender leaves for salads in the fall, then over-winter for early spring greens

A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professional horticulturist who cultivates her own plot on Dexter street, where gardens and two kids grow. She can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.

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