Xeriscape gardening techniques for dry conditions
There are areas of the world where the weather conditions are just too dry to have a lush, colorful garden. Xeriscaping may be the ticket you need for a beautiful landscape. The techniques involved in Xeriscaping allows the gardener to use plants that need only small amounts of water, or using water more efficiently in your landscaping. Even in desert like conditions, a beautiful garden can be had without using too much valuable water.
Cactus and rock gardens are 2 different forms of landscaping that incorporate the Xeriscaping approach and use small amounts water. There are many types of cacti and they will give your garden a very natural look. Pay special attention to the ones that will bloom. As these will open when the sun rises to enjoy the day, then close at sundown and sleep for the night.
Rock gardens are the choice of design for gardeners in dry conditions. Depending on where you live in the world, the types and size of rocks you will find are endless! They're used where bushes or grass would normally be seen but are easier to care for. They look very unique and you can still have numerous plants around the rocks. But or the best results in your xeriscape, you should choose mostly native plants that are used to living among rocks.
However, you don't have to be restricted to rock gardens and cactus plants to be xeriscape gardener. You can also use xeriscape techniques with more traditional flowers and grasses. To do this, you simply need to choose which species of plants you will use more carefully, and then plan your irrigation.
Perennials, which store a lot of nutrients in their roots and bulbs do not need much water are a great addition to your xeriscaping project. Ornamental grasses, vines, shrubs, and groundcover are also good candidates. A nicely xeriscaped lawn will have a mix of more traditional plants like this and native plants like cacti and succulents. This blend will add a whole new dimension to your garden.
Typically, people use twice as much water as they need to for their lawns. You should water occasionally and deeply. It will take more time, but the soil will be better saturated and the roots will reach further into the ground. Don't forget to use mulch and wood chips in your xeriscape garden. Mulch and woodchips not only spruce up the garden, but they will also help to hold moisture in the soil. And last, but not least, is aerating your lawn. Aerating helps distribute water through the soil to the roots of your plants and grasses.
So yes, it is possible to have beautiful garden areas in dry climates. The techniques mentioned will help lower your watering needs, while nurturing healthier plants at the same time. If you are careful with your water usage, your plants will become stronger and handle the stress of drought and insects better. Using native plants and watering them deeply will reward you with bright and varying blooms year after year.
Cactus and rock gardens are 2 different forms of landscaping that incorporate the Xeriscaping approach and use small amounts water. There are many types of cacti and they will give your garden a very natural look. Pay special attention to the ones that will bloom. As these will open when the sun rises to enjoy the day, then close at sundown and sleep for the night.
Rock gardens are the choice of design for gardeners in dry conditions. Depending on where you live in the world, the types and size of rocks you will find are endless! They're used where bushes or grass would normally be seen but are easier to care for. They look very unique and you can still have numerous plants around the rocks. But or the best results in your xeriscape, you should choose mostly native plants that are used to living among rocks.
However, you don't have to be restricted to rock gardens and cactus plants to be xeriscape gardener. You can also use xeriscape techniques with more traditional flowers and grasses. To do this, you simply need to choose which species of plants you will use more carefully, and then plan your irrigation.
Perennials, which store a lot of nutrients in their roots and bulbs do not need much water are a great addition to your xeriscaping project. Ornamental grasses, vines, shrubs, and groundcover are also good candidates. A nicely xeriscaped lawn will have a mix of more traditional plants like this and native plants like cacti and succulents. This blend will add a whole new dimension to your garden.
Typically, people use twice as much water as they need to for their lawns. You should water occasionally and deeply. It will take more time, but the soil will be better saturated and the roots will reach further into the ground. Don't forget to use mulch and wood chips in your xeriscape garden. Mulch and woodchips not only spruce up the garden, but they will also help to hold moisture in the soil. And last, but not least, is aerating your lawn. Aerating helps distribute water through the soil to the roots of your plants and grasses.
So yes, it is possible to have beautiful garden areas in dry climates. The techniques mentioned will help lower your watering needs, while nurturing healthier plants at the same time. If you are careful with your water usage, your plants will become stronger and handle the stress of drought and insects better. Using native plants and watering them deeply will reward you with bright and varying blooms year after year.