When homeowners hear the word xeriscaping, they sometimes think the word is spelled “zeroscaping.”  This conjures images of a barren landscape of sand, rock, and cactus, or one that uses absolutely zero water.  Both are misrepresentations of the true nature of xeriscaping, which, in reality, can provide a fresh, lively, and vigorous look for your grounds while using water judiciously. 

According to the Colorado WaterWise Council, a well-planned xeric landscape can increase your property value by as much as 15% while decreasing your outdoor water use up to 60%, which can mean significant savings these days, as the price of water continues to rise. 

Furthermore, the popularity of xeriscaping means that local nurseries stock an abundance of different varieties of plants, assuring that you can create a beautiful and unique landscape that fits your taste, style, and budget. Here are some tips to get you started on a successful xeriscaping project: 

Plan carefully – Take measurements of your property and create a scale drawing that shows major landmarks.  From this drawing, you can plot out where to put in your new, low-water usage plants. 

Contact your local water department -- Many municipal water districts offer free consultation and planning services for customers who “go xeric” – take advantage of it. 

Cultivate a relationship with your local nursery – Not only does a good nursery sell xeriscape plants, but their staff can be extremely helpful to a novice gardener. 

Consider your soil – Many soils in the Southwest are sandy or clay-like and will need to be amended – check with your nursery for an analysis and recommendations. 

Irrigate efficiently – Watering between 9P.M. and 9A.M. decreases evaporation and waste, as does the use of drip, bubbler, and low-spray devices. 

Bunch together similar plants – Grouping together plants that share similar needs for light, water, and soil in appropriate areas helps them to flourish. 

Mulch – Covering your gardens with wood chips or shavings prevents undue evaporation of water and insulates the roots of the plants. 

Find alternatives to bluegrass – Many traditional lawns, such as bluegrass, use a great deal of water.  Consider switching to native grasses, fescues, or other ground coverings. 

Maintain it – After the first few years, weeding needs will decrease, but keeping up with pruning, fertilizing, and pest control will ensure a healthy and beautiful xeric landscape for years to come. 

For more information, check out these websites:
WaterWise Colorado: http://www.xeriscape.org/Denver Water:  http://www.denverwater.org/xeriscapeinfo/xeriscapeframe.html