Xeriscape Not Zeroscape
Note that “xeriscape” is pronounced as if it began with the letter, Z, which sometimes leads to the misspelling, “zeroscape” (as if it signified “zero landscaping”). This is unfortunate, because the word, “zero” leads the mind to think of “nothing”—in this case, a landscape with nothing in it (or nothing pretty, at least). But xeriscape landscaping techniques need not result in a “big zero” for landscape design aesthetics.
Xeriscape Landscaping and Desert Plants
In fact, as most people employ the term, xeriscape landscaping need not be limited to desert plants that are about as attractive as barbed wire (for example, certain kinds of cactus and succulent plants). Rather, the practice allows you (in non-desert climates, at least) to use a wide variety of attractive plants but insists on common-sense measures that will help conserve water, such as grouping plants with similar water requirements together. Not only does this practice save you money, but it can also save your plants since many a plant is killed through over-watering. So even if you are not trying to save water, it makes sense to segregate “thirsty” plants from those that want far less water. A common element in xeriscape landscaping is the reduction of lawn grass areas since lawn grass is often one of the worst offenders against water conservation. Another widespread tactic is the deployment of native plants since they are adapted to the local climate and consequently require less human-supplied water.
How to Practice Xeriscape Landscaping
To summarize, then, think of the practice of xeriscaping as zeroing in on the following:
Xeric Plants
Plants most suited to xeriscape landscaping are sometimes referred to as “xeric” plants. These are plants with low water requirements and that therefore handle drought well. Of course, drought-tolerance is relative. A plant considered drought-tolerant in the northeastern United States might be baked to a crisp in desert country. So your options will be increased in the former region and reduced in the latter. Keep that consideration in mind as you browse the following resources on drought-resistant plants: Here are some colorful choices from these and other plant categories:
Bed Flowers Suitable for Xeriscape Landscaping
Here are ideas for a bed of flowers suitable for xeriscape landscaping across most of the northern United States. This example could be used, as is, to compose a flower bed (up against a fence, for example) that is 12 feet long by eight feet deep, or it could be expanded (lengthwise) to make up a foundation planting.
Plant Three Loose Rows of Perennials
Bluebeard, which is a tall plant (and, technically, a shrub, but often treated as a perennial), will dominate the back row, where it will not obscure shorter plants (the back row would be the one up against a fence or a house wall). The middle row is staggered with drought-resistant perennials of intermediate heights: Moonbeam coreopsis, coneflowers, and ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum. At its back, and punctuating the whole ensemble as a focal point, is a tall ornamental grass, such as maiden grass. Finally, mounds of a shorter, drought-resistant ornamental grass (such as blue fescue grass) variety are staggered with lamb’s ears to comprise the front row.
