Water is a treasured commodity and when we are talking about a region like Gardens in Calgary, where I live, in which there is an semi arid climate, then water becomes even a more precious resource.

Denver Colorado residents in 1971 thought of conserving water, so they thought of trying out xeriscape gardening. If you still wonder what xeriscape means, it is actually Xeros in the Greek language which really means dry.

Here are 7 principles of Xeriscape gardening that can help you in understanding it better.

1) Refine the Design

The concept from gardens is simple. Polish the garden design to meet the plant’s watering needs.

If you can, group the similar shrubs so they can have the same watering needs.

You can also group your plants in such a way that the plants with lower water requirement level are planted in the lower level of your garden so the water can flow freely from the higher level to the lower level.

2) Do you need big turf?

Actually, we really don’t need big turfs since it takes up too much water. By planting smart we can use up space in our yard with beautiful plants and conserve water.

3) Consider low water plants

It is better to use plants which are resistant to dry conditions in your  garden design. You can follow these suggestions.

Tormentils, juniper species, sea berries and mountain pines. Shoots like a oleaster and syringa genus.

Some good perennials include succulents, grey or silver leafed plants, rock garden plants, and spring bulbs. Also, there are quite a few annual flowers that can be used as well.

4) Your irrigation has to be set up efficiently

One of the annoying things is to see someone water his lawn and his neighbor simultaneously. Change your irrigation system if you’re one of them.

Aerial sprinklers are  mostly affected by vaporization. This might be the reason you keep on changing your aerial sprinklers. Drip irrigation is one of the few low emitting systems which has proven itself as a good alternative to overhead sprinkler.

But understand that sometimes it becomes necessary to use overhead watering system, no problem! Just do it during early morning hours.

5) Consider the use of mulch

Use mulch if you’re trying to minimize evaporation in  garden. Have in your garden some two to three inches of mulch.

6) Amend your garden soil.

If you are have clay soil or sandy/stony soil in your garden then you must have noticed that either the water drains too quickly or too slowly, depending on the type of the soil in your garden. But if you use compost, leaf mould or peat moss then this issue can be easily resolved.

7) Sustain your garden.

It is very important that you take proper care of your garden. You can do this pulling the grass often and keeping the mulch at a normal level. If you can attend to this issues, then your garden should be that economical in watering needs.

In short, xeriscaping makes it possible for people to use water smartly.

If you apply even some of the above mentioned techniques to your gardening then I am sure that you will be one in good shape with the changes of tomorrow.

You should be able to anticipate that water laws would get tough in the future and that is the time you would realize what I have said about xeriscape gardening, and how you could have prevented fines for your water loss.

When time passes drip irrigation would be the staple choice over the spray heads.

The key with all this is to have fun and be waterwise! Even though you have no  Gardens to preserve, just study plants in your local to make this happen.

It doesn’t matter if you are engaging in a Calgary Garden Design or are are designing in some other region, using water wisely is important. In my Calgary Gardens we always take these xeriscape principals into consideration.

Written by: Custom Stone and Waterscapes ‎3829 Parkhill Place SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2W6 (403) 870-1142