Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that requires little to no water to maintain and selecting plants that are best suited to their location and climate or that are drought tolerant. It also includes using soil amendments that keep moisture in the soil longer.
Why Xeriscaping?
• conserves water
• reduces maintenance
• no fertilizers and pesticides
• no mowing = less pollution
• provides habitat for wildlife
Xeriscaping - "How to"
• add organic matter - soil stores water and remains aerated
• reduce the amount of lawn you maintain
• choose drought-resistant plants; don't mix plants with different watering needs together
• new/young plants require more water - start a limited number each year
• plant trees to provide protection, shade and reduce evaporation
• cover soil with mulch to reduce evaporation (leaves, pine needles, wood chips, bark, gravel, groundcover plants, etc.)
• avoid watering when possible; avoid watering in the hottest and windy times of day
• use native plants where possible - they are suited to the local climate
Information Reference