The word xeriscape was coined in the early 1980s by Denver Water, from the Greek word for dry. It's sometimes misheard as "zeroscape," but a good xeriscape is full of plants, color and wildlife. The goal is simply to use less water.
The seven principles
- Plan and design. Map sun, shade, slopes and how you use the space before buying plants.
- Improve soil where needed. Loosen compacted soil so water soaks in. Many drought-tolerant plants prefer lean soil, so don't over-amend.
- Keep lawn where it earns its keep. Reserve turf for play areas and paths, and choose drought-tolerant grasses such as buffalograss or bermudagrass.
- Choose the right plants. Native and regionally adapted plants need far less water once established.
- Water efficiently. Group plants by water need, called hydrozoning, and use drip irrigation for beds.
- Mulch. Organic mulch works in most yards; gravel suits desert and Mediterranean plants that rot in damp mulch.
- Maintain. Adjust irrigation seasonally and pull weeds before they compete for water.
Hydrozoning in practice
Put thirstier plants near the house and downspouts, where they're easy to water and catch runoff. Move toward drought-tolerant plants farther out. That way one irrigation zone never has to overwater some plants to keep others alive.
Establishment still takes water
Even the toughest xeric plant needs regular watering for its first year or two while roots spread. After that, many need only occasional deep soaks during long droughts.
Regional starting points
- Desert Southwest: desert willow, globemallow, desert marigold, agaves.
- Texas and the southern Plains: cenizo, autumn sage, blackfoot daisy, little bluestem.
- Mountain West: Rocky Mountain penstemon, rabbitbrush, blue grama.
- California: manzanita, California lilac, deer grass.
Open the "Xeriscape" collection in the plant explorer after choosing your state for a list of very-low-water plants that fit your climate.