Xeriscape landscaping is defined as "water conservation through creative and appropriate landscaping." The key words here are "creative" and "appropriate". You can have almost any garden look you like and still save water. Your garden can be a beautiful oasis and significantly increase the value of your home while still saving water.

Xeriscape landscaping is founded on seven principles. While these principles have been used in traditional landscaping for years as separate or partially combined principles, Xeriscape incorporates all of them into one holistic method resulting in a unique landscaping approach that combines all the necessary elements to achieve water conservation. When all seven principles are implemented correctly, the result is a significant reduction in water consumption without the loss of the beauty that landscapes provide.

Planning & Design
Planning is the most important step to a successful Xeriscape. A thoughtful design can allow you to install your landscape in phases and avoid costly mistakes. Many people create their own designs with excellent results. Landscape professionals can be valuable resources, with services ranging from making simple planting suggestions to full-scale design and construction.

Practical Turf Areas
While lawns are great for play areas, picnics, and pets, often turf can be replaced with other, less-thirsty materials such as groundcovers, low water use plants, mulches, or hardscape.

Soil Analysis
Soil improvement allows for better water penetration and improved water-holding capacity of the soil. Organic matter and other amendments also provide beneficial nutrients to plants. It is best to test soil to determine the correct amendments and amounts needed. Improve the soil prior to planting and installation of an irrigation system. Contact the University Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor or your local nursery professional for more information about soil testing and amending. Appropriate Plants
There is a large selection of water-efficient plants available in San Diego County. Many popular landscape plants are a lot more drought-tolerant than you'd imagine. Nearly every landscape function can be served with a low-water-use plant. Year round greenery, bright flowers, borders or accents -- all can be achieved efficiently and attractively. Some nurseries tag their low-water-use plants for easy selection. Mulches
A two to three inch top layer of mulch will cool the soil, reduce weed growth, slow erosion, and, most importantly, minimize evaporation. The textures and materials also provide landscape interest. Organic mulches include shredded bark or chips, wood grindings, or compost. Inorganic mulches are usually rock or gravel products. Efficient Irrigation
A combination of a sound irrigation design and installation with careful water management will conserve water. Irrigation technology has boomed in the last few years with improved product quality and increased water-saving efficiency. Turf areas are best watered with sprinklers. Trees, shrubs, flower beds, and groundcovers can be watered efficiently with low-volume sprinklers, drip or bubbler emitters. Even traditionally water-thirsty plants can benefit from Xeriscape principles if separately zoned and efficiently irrigated. Monitoring and maintaining your irrigation system is the key to saving both water and money.

 
Appropriate Maintenance
Regular maintenance preserves the intended beauty of your landscape and saves water. Pruning, weeding, proper fertilization, pest control, and water-schedule adjustments contribute to water savings. Because of their design, Xeriscapes result in reduced maintenance cost and time.

  

For more information on Xeriscape Gardening & Landscaping visit THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN at www.thegarden.org.