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TIPS ON XERISCAPING
Xeriscape Landscaping
Xeriscape landscaping, quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment, is the most exciting concept to hit the landscape industry in decades. The term Xeriscape was coined in Denver, Colorado in 1978. Whether called Xeriscape, water-wise or water-smart landscaping, landscape and water industry professionals throughout the nation have embraced landscape water conservation through education.
The seven principles of Xeriscape landscaping are not new; they have been practiced in the landscape industry for decades. The concept of combining all seven guidelines into one effort toward landscape water conservation is what makes Xeriscape landscaping unique. The principles are given below:
1. Planning and design is the foundation of any water-wise landscape.
2. Soil analysis will determine whether soil improvement is needed for better water absorption and improved water-holding capacity.
3. Practical turf areas suggests that turfgrasses be used as a planned element in the landscape. Avoid impractical turf use, such as long, narrow areas.
4. Appropriate plant selection keeps the landscape more in tune with the natural environment. Both native and exotic plants make up the huge variety of plants available for Xeriscape landscaping.
5. By simply using efficient irrigation, you can instantly save 30 to 50 percent on your water bill.
6. Use mulches in flower and shrub beds to prevent water loss from the soil through evaporation and to increase water penetration during irrigations.
7. Appropriate maintenance preserves the beauty of the Xeriscape landscape plus saves water. Pruning, weeding, proper fertilization, pest control and irrigation system adjustments all conserve water.
Careful planning is the key to saving water. Group plants with similar watering needs in specific areas for more efficient watering. Set windbreaks to protect delicate species and to reduce water needs.
How to save water in courtyards, roof top gardens, balconies and potted plants
·Plant drought tolerant colourful plants in pots that can be moved around
·Group plants according to water needs
·Be aware of areas in your garden that are in full sun or shaded for most of the day
·Add water crystals to soil to help retain moisture
·Mulching around your plants will help retain moisture
·Keep soil around plants weed free – weeds like water too
·Compost your garden with waste from the kitchen – this will help maintain moisture and the quality of the soil
·Always use good quality potting mix in conjunction with wetting agents or water retaining crystals
Pot selection
·Selecting your pot carefully will ensure a more water ef?cient garden that requires less maintenance.
·Light coloured plastic pots are the most water ef?cient
·Black plastic pots retain heat so require more watering
·Terracotta pots look great but are porous and lose water quickly. Painting the inside of these pots or lining them with plastic will reduce evaporation
·Use a saucer under pots to capture excess water for reuse.
·Reduce the number of hanging baskets as they dry out very quickly, especially on hot windy days.
There are many ways to enjoy a colourful garden and minimise water use
Water saving tips
Some simple ways to save water around the home for use in your garden.
·Keep a bucket in the shower recess and kitchen to catch cold water when ?rst turning on the hot tap. There will be plenty of water for your plants
·Use a watering can
·Collect rainwater in buckets, bins, pots and tanks
·Many well established trees and shrubs are drought tolerant because their roots are deep enough to keep them cool - so water less
·Reuse greywater from your shower, bathtub, basins and laundry tub for irrigation. Be sure to use an environmentally friendly washing powder. The use of greywater may have health implications, please contact your Council before using greywater.
Target the Root Zone
To give your plants the best benefit from watering, target the root zone around the base of the plant.
Improve Your Soil
Soil moisture is vital to the health of any plant. Most sandy soils have low levels of organic matter, which means that water and nutrients pass rapidly through the soil. You can improve the organic levels in your soil by adding manure, compost, peat, etc. A high level of organic matter in your soil will improve plant growth, use less water and fertilisers whilst promoting healthier plants.
Smart Care For Your Lawn
Don't mow grass shorter than 2-3cm. Longer grass will grow deeper roots and therefore need less water - especially in the drier months.
Water Wisely
The ideal watering system is one that will deliver water directly to the plant roots in the correct quantities. A lot of water can be saved with an efficient, well-designed watering system.
Watering systems
Drippers, tap timers, trigger hoses and micro-watering systems should be used to deliver water in the most efficient manner. Your garden centre or watering system professional can offer valuable advice.
Using Automatic sprinkler systems
Don't forget to turn off your automatic watering systems when it rains or better still buy a device that automatically turns them off when it rains.
Don't forget to re-program your irrigation system with the change of the seasons.
Night Watering
Water in the cool of the evening or early morning, not in the heat of the day when a great deal of the water will be wasted through evaporation.
Mulch
A good mulch of at least 75mm thickness reduces evaporation from the soil surface by as much as 70%. Mulch discourages weed growth, prevents erosion and keeps plant roots cooler and wetter. Ensure that the mulch is kept clear of tree trunks or plant stems to avoid possible fungal problems.
Trigger Nozzles Save Water
Installing a trigger nozzle on all of your hoses will stop water wastage as you move from one part of the garden to the next.
After watering turn off at the tap, as exploding nozzles can can waste over 1000 litres of water an hour.
Keep your Pots Damp
Pot plants and hanging baskets can dry out quickly so it is important to plan for a special area where they can be stored whilst you are away. Grouping them together in a shady spot protected from the wind is important and it also makes watering easy.
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