Xeriscaping with Style – Part 15

DRAW A PRELIMINARY PLAN The best way to design a house is to develop a plan and make a drawing. The same is true for a landscape. It is easier to visualize your plan when it’s put on paper. Drawings also serve as a reality check to make sure all of the landscape components are the right size and in …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 14

LEARN ABOUT MATERIALS Although plants are considered the mainstay of many landscapes, it is important to remember that other landscape materials are available that will add to the beauty and function of your yard. For example, you may want to incorporate hardscape or structures into your landscape plan. These include the following design elements: patios and ramadas walkways boulders a …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 13

LEARN ABOUT PLANTS Plants that Make the Desert Bloom An increase in the popularity of Xeriscape over the past fifteen years has led to widespread availability of low water use plants in our area. If you are new to the Sonoran Desert or if you have not been shopping for plants in a while, you are in for a treat. …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 12

MAKE A DRAWING Measure your lot, then draw a diagram of the site that includes the house and any existing features like a walkway, pool or patio. Make the drawing to scale by using grid paper or an enlargement of the plot plan provided by your builder. You may want to make two separate drawings; one for the front yard …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 11

TIPS ON TURF Since turf is relatively water thirsty, use it sparingly. If you like the green look that turf provides, you may be able to achieve a similar look with low water use groundcovers or a combination of turf and low water use plant material. There are many water thrifty plants that have a surprisingly lush look. Make turf …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 10

    IDEAS FOR CREATING YOUR WISH LIST: Walk, bike or drive around your neighborhood to get some design ideas. You may want to visit commercial developments and other residential developments as well. Keep a camera handy and take photographs of everything you like, no matter where you find it; from fabulous model homes to the bank on the corner. …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 9

MAKE A WISH LIST! If you don’t already know what you want from your landscape, now is the time to decide. Ask yourself these questions: What do I want my yard to look like? What functions do I want my yard to serve? Do I want color and shade in my yard? Do I want my landscape to help conserve …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 8

DESIGNING A GREAT YARD Creating a plan will help you get the most out of your landscape while considering issues like cost, function, aesthetic preferences, maintenance requirements, water efficiency and energy efficiency. You can tailor the plan to suit your taste, your needs and your checkbook. The plan will serve as a guide throughout the landscaping process. It will help …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 7

APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE When properly designed and maintained, Xeriscapes save water, time and money through reduced plant water needs and lower maintenance requirements. But low water use and low maintenance do not mean no water use and no maintenance. All landscapes need some care and most plants need supplemental water in our desert environment. Proper pruning techniques can keep your yard …

Xeriscaping with Style – Part 6

THE USE OF MULCHES Mulches cover the soil and reduce evaporation from planted areas. They cool the soil beneath and also help to inhibit weed growth and erosion. There are organic mulches and inorganic mulches. The most popular organic mulches in our area are bark chips and wood grindings. These are often used in planting beds and other small areas. …