What is Xeriscaping? Tips for Beginners

Posted by on Friday, October 7th, 2022 at 2:46pm.

How to Get Started With XeriscapingGardeners across the Okanagan are turning to xeriscape to create low-maintenance dream gardens. Xeriscaping (zera-scaping) is gardening or landscaping using natural environmental conditions in which you live rather than going against the grain or fighting against them. The prefix “xeri” is Greek for the word “dry”.

While we in the Okanagan aren't quite in the desert, we do like to use our water judiciously. This style of gardening is about creating wonderful, nearly self-sustaining drought-resistant landscapes. It also helps with pest control, reduces the need for chemicals, and creates a richer habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Planning & Design

Xeriscaping starts with your imagination and incorporating the elements of your property. What kind of large trees are there already? Are you on a slope, a flat surface, or a waterfront property? Do you have a pool, patio, or big shade tree that you need to build around? Where do you want a pathway in your garden and how much sun do you have during the day? It helps if you can map out what you want at scale. This exercise will also help you plan out the sequence of work that needs doing.

Prepare Your Soil

No matter what kind of soil you have in the yard right now, chances are you need some more organic material to help with moisture retention and to help your plants thrive. Organic material means things like compost or manure which you can easily order from your local garden centre or even online.

Stake Your Turf

There is room for grass in your xeriscape, but keep it to a minimum. Grass is thirsty and requires a lot of maintenance, so you only want as much grass as you need. It'll grow in about half a foot of good soil with a base of organic material, and it needs good drainage. Don't plant where there are tree roots, because the grass will compete with the tree for water, or where it's hard to mow, like a slope.

Pick Your Plants

While there are many different plants that can be used in xeriscaping, some of the most common include cacti and succulents. These plants are able to thrive in hot, dry conditions, and they require very little water to survive. In addition, they are typically low-maintenance and require little care once they are established. As a result, they are an ideal choice for gardeners who want to reduce their water usage—plus, it makes it easier to keep up with your home's curb appeal.

In the Okanagan, there are hundreds of bushes, flowering plants, and ground cover that do very well with very little water. Natural vegetation used in our region that does well in a xeriscape is Ponderosa Pine, Bluebunch Wheatgrass, cactus, Rabbitbrush, and sagebrushes.

Smart Irrigation

In the planning stages, you will want to place vegetation with similar water requirements in the same zone. Shade plants need less water, plants that need some additional water, and those that need to be watered by hand should be groups. And speaking of watering, an inch a week should be enough. You want plants to put down deep roots and watering infrequently will help plants put down those long roots. The Okanagan Xeriscape Association has a plant database on its website you can refer to.

Mulch

Decorative in nature, mulch serves another purpose in a xeriscape. It forms a protective blanket over the soil below, holding in moisture, deterring the development of weeds and protecting roots from super hot or cold temperatures. Good mulch is better than landscape fabric. After a while, roots become enmeshed in landscape fabric.

Start Xeriscaping Today

Xeriscaping can be a beautiful, sustainable way to landscape your property. Doing your research before you start xeriscaping is important, as it requires planning and forethought to succeed. Once you have decided that xeriscaping is right for you, there are many resources available to help you get started. The Okanagan Xeriscape Association in Kelowna is an excellent resource for homeowners in Kelowna to consult with. They offer ongoing workshops and classes teaching xeriscape to both experienced and novice gardeners. With a little bit of effort, you can create a stunning xeriscape that will save you money and water.

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