There’s an assumption that xeriscape gardens are mainly succulents, grasses, and stones, but there are many creative approaches to this method of gardening. A number of elements should be considered when designing xeriscaped gardens, such as grouping plants according to their water needs, creating irrigation systems, and choosing the best type of mulch. There are many options for choosing plants to help you create gorgeous, dynamic xeriscape gardens. Powerfully fragrant, its use in aromatherapy and perfumery is legendary, and it’s the main ingredient in the seasoning mixture “Herbes de Provence.” The plant’s name comes from the Latin meaning “to wash” because of its use to scent linens (it repels mildew and insects too). There are English and French varieties; check the hardiness zones for winter survival. Saxon Holt of Gardening Gone Wild recommends it for California gardens. Many gardeners like lavender as an annual, but it will perennialize with some effort. Prune it back at the end of the season to promote new growth. Plant lavender near your favorite relaxing spots in the garden, and let the flowers’ essential oils, known for promoting calmness, lull you into a soothing reverie. Bee balm, true to its name, attracts honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in droves. It has an herby, minty fragrance. Older heirloom varieties like ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ or ‘Raspberry Wine’ grow vigorously and reach up to 5-feet tall, but newer cultivars are bred to be more compact and less prone to spreading. They’re easy to grow in a sunny, well-drained spot and can be used to create glorious swaths of color during their long blooming season.
