HOMESTEAD
The New Art of
XERISCAPING
CLIMATE-COORDINATED, MINOR MAINTENANCE If images of wide expanses of weedy, white gravel and withered grasses come to mind when you think of xeriscaping, it’s time to open your thinking to a new wave of Texas landscape architecture. Xeriscaping doesn’t have to be dated, old, or out of style. It can provide natural beauty that is harmonious with the climate in fresh and new ways, while saving water, encouraging a native habitat, and providing a pleasing respite in your garden. By mindfully choosing your plants, using the latest architectural elements, and selecting ground covers that work best in the Texas heat, you can find peace with your garden or yard rather than fighting it through the long Texas summers, all while staying fresh. Here are some easy ways to create a xeriscaped yard and garden, from the soil to the bloom. START WITH SOIL
By definition, xeriscaping is a form of gardening that finds ways to work with the natural landscape of your yard rather than in opposition to it. By stepping away from water-soaked lawns and toward
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the low-maintenance beauty of a more natural, environmentally friendly habitat, you can create not only a beautiful space surrounding your home, but you can also take steps toward helping the planet. When you choose a garden that requires little or no irrigation, you can find ways to blend with your surroundings rather than to fight it. Your soil should be a balanced pH so that drought resistant plantings that require little water can flourish. Most cacti and succulents thrive in a pH6 soil, which means that the soil is slightly acidic. This doesn’t mean that a xeriscaped garden is only succulents; in fact, many blooming plants, herbs, and vegetables can thrive without a lot of water. The key is to treat your soil with care so that the plants you choose succeed. Talk to your local garden center about a testing kit for your soil, and then take the necessary steps to bring your soil quality to the standards you need for successful planting. FIND YOUR PATH
It’s easy to partition your yard into grow zones by framing areas with paths and
BEST HARDY PLANTS FOR XERISCAPING:
• Yucca • Agaves • Cacti BEST BLOOMERS:
• Jasmine • Black-eyed Susan • Yarrow • Indian Paintbrush • Lavender CHOOSE LOW-WATER HERBS:
• Rosemary • Mint • Dill • Oregano • Russian Sage L I V I NGMAGAZ IN E . N E T