We all know curb appeal is important. And what’s more appealing than beautiful landscaping? However, with draughts spreading across the country and water conservation becoming increasingly important, are large green yards really the best option? Or should more homeowners consider xeriscaping?
Contrary to popular belief, xeriscaping doesn’t have to be boring. Keep reading to learn why homeowners choose to xeriscape and five tips to help you create a beautiful low-water space.
Xeriscaping for Water Conservation
With so much of the country in a dramatic drought, water conservation is of utmost importance. Xeriscaping is one way to reduce water usage while still maintaining a beautiful and comfortable outdoor space.
Xeriscaping often gets a bad rap. Many people think of xeriscapes as monotone, boring, rocky outcroppings with sparse greenery. But that’s simply not the case.
Carefully curated xeriscaping can be just as colorful and family-friendly as the traditional green grass yard. Plus, these low-water spaces are better for the environment and easier on your monthly budget. Low-water landscaping is just one way to decrease those monthly bills while also keeping your home looking its best.
Xeriscaping for Easy Maintenance
While some homeowners choose xeriscaping to conserve water, others like the idea of a low-maintenance yard. Xeriscaping usually removes or reduces grassy areas, eliminating the dreaded weekly lawn mowing.
Plus, weeds are less likely to become a problem in yards with low-water plants and grasses, meaning you’ll spend less time bending down to pull those pesky unwanted greens.
Imagine how much time you’ll save by not having to mow, trim, and water your yard.
5 Easy Xeriscaping Ideas for Your Home
While overhauling your current water-guzzling yard will take time and effort, the payoff will be worth it. You’ll be saving money on your water bill every month, which will help to offset the cost of installing a xeriscape garden.
And, more importantly, you’ll be conserving hundreds or thousands of gallons of water every year, helping to reduce the nationwide drought.
Before you get to work xeriscaping your current space, here are five ideas to help you create a beautiful low-water space.
1. Use Mulch
Mulch is a vital part of any successful xeriscape garden. It helps slow evaporation (incredibly important when you’re trying to conserve water), prevents weed growth, moderates soil temperature, and gives your garden a finished look.
Your local gardening center will have several options for mulch in various types, colors, and price ranges.
2. Incorporate Native Grasses and Plants
Before you start planning your xeriscape garden, do your research. You’ll want to use plants and grasses native to your area. Using native plant life will ensure your garden will grow effectively in your climate.
Grasses are a great way to add height and interest to your garden. Most native plants come in various sizes and colors to add an extra pop to your xeriscaping.
Stop by your local gardening center to ask which plants will work best in your yard. Consider how much light each area gets and which plants will grow together well. Once you have this information, you can plan your xeriscaping to ensure the most beautiful garden with the best results.
3. Sticks and Stones Won’t Break Your Bones
To further decrease your water usage – and to add some visual interest to your garden – consider adding decorative rocks, boulders, and logs. These natural elements can be any size, and you can use them in various ways.
Boulders fill in lots of space while adding a beautiful focal element. Logs can increase the organic feel of your yard while adding pops of browns and grays. And stone paths are an easy way to create a functional walkway while also decreasing water usage.
Stone, boulders, and logs can create serious curb appeal when used correctly in xeriscaping.
4. Incorporate Color
Again, xeriscaping doesn’t have to be bland. There are plenty of low-water plants and flowers that will add color to your space. From lavender to butterfly bush and flowering succulents, the options are endless.
Even some ornamental grasses and bushes come in varying colors to make your garden beautiful.
Need some guidance on which low-water plants to choose? Check out this list.
5. Embrace Ground Cover
Not all of your xeriscape plants need to be tall. Many low-water ground cover plants are attractive to the eye by still completely water-conscious. Ground cover is a great way to fill in open space in your yard without adding more maintenance to your to-do list.
Do you have low-water landscaping? Share your tips with us in the comments below!
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