Think of the term “xeriscaping” and the image you conjure up may well be one of an arid, dusty yard full of vast expanses of dry, gray gravel and rocks dotted with the odd spiny cactus. Not so, say landscapers in the know.
“People sometimes confuse ‘xeriscaping’ with ‘zero-scaping,’ which is a landscape that has no plants,” explains Conny Gustafsson, owner of Sonoma-based Scandia Landscaping. “But a xeriscaped garden can be beautiful.”
Three years ago, on the request of the City of Sonoma and Sonoma County Water Agency, Gustafsson transformed the triangular road island near the El Pueblo Inn and the Bonanza Ford car dealership on West Napa Street from a tangle of weeds into a garden-like, totally xeriscaped area.
“They wanted something that was low maintenance and didn’t cost a lot in water use, that was drought-tolerant and attractive,” he explains.
Gustafsson’s explanation is a perfect description of xeriscaping, or drought-tolerant landscaping, which basically means getting the most landscaping for the least amount of water. The term is derived from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry.
Xeriscaping can be accomplished in various ways. For example, by removing lawns and plants and adding more patios, decks, paths, or gazebos. Or by using more-efficient irrigation, by digging organic matter into the soil to make it more water-retentive, by heavy mulching, and by appropriate maintenance, all with an eye to conserving water.
Selecting the appropriate plants is crucial.
“It’s important that you choose the right plants,” says Gustafsson. “People would be surprised by how many plants you can actually use.”
For the triangular island project, Gustafsson used eight different plants, including Mexican poppies, berberis, lantana, Mexican evening primrose, and crape myrtle trees. The area blooms in attractive yellow, purple and pink hues.
 “We used a lot of mulch to keep the roots shaded and cold so they don’t dry up,” says Gustafsson. “About 3-to 4-inches of mulch really helps.”
He adds that xeriscaping doesn’t mean zero maintenance or zero water.
“That’s a misunderstanding,” he explains. “Compared to other plants, maintenance is minimized, but the plants do need some maintenance and watering, although you can reduce the water once the plant is established.”
Water conservation authorities tell us xeriscaping can reduce landscape water use by seventy percent or more.
“I see a lot of interest in [xeriscaping],” says Gustafsson . “People want to do what’s right. Water costs a lot of money and they can cut their water bills in half.”
Sonoma Master Gardener Jean Hopeman (see sidebar on her xeriscaping tips) agrees.
“About 30 percent of all water consumed is used for landscaping irrigation, so a properly designed garden can reduce energy consumption,” she says. “You know you’re doing a good job when your water bill is lower.”
Since water can no longer be considered a limitless resource, this philosophy of water conservation through creative landscaping makes sense to many.
“The number one issue in Sonoma County is the growth of housing and the demands on water,” says Hopeman. “We need to carefully guard, recycle and recapture it so we can have fresh water – and everything you do to conserve water is going to add up.” |
Xeriscaping tips from Sonoma
Master Gardener Jean Hopeman
• Limit turf areas because lawns require a lot of water.
• Use permeable rocks and flagstones rather than asphalt on walkways, so that water can seep through and get to plant roots.
• Most Sonomans must tolerate hard clay soil – so mix organic material into the soil to make it rich and productive. Add compost to break up the soil and that will help it retain water.
• Mulching is important. Use wood chips or other materials to create a blanket to reduce water evaporation. Mulching also helps control weeds, which are great water thieves
• Use water-conserving, drought-tolerant plants and lawn grasses which are native or are appropriate for this area.
• Popular plant selections in Sonoma include yarrow, wild buckwheat, lavender and California fuchsia. Common foliage includes Artemisia; New Zealand flax, which is tall, spiky and dramatic for entryways; and lamb’s ears, which is a soft low-growing shrub. Popular trees include crape myrtle, olive and native oak.
• Group plants together. For example, put drought-resistant plants in one place to water less in specific areas. Precision watering by area will eventually save you money.
• Water efficiently. In general, early morning is a good time because there’s less evaporation.
• Once the plants are established and have developed strong deep root systems, you don’t need to water them as much.
• Fall is a good time to start planting. |
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