In many parts of the country, water resources are becoming scarcer.
That’s why it’s a good idea to landscape your home using water-wise techniques.
Called xeriscaping, this process will help you have a less thirsty backyard.
Here’s how to do it.
Xeriscaping Defined
So what is xeriscaping?
In this front yard, drought-resistant plants are staged around boulders that help block runoff after storms.
Improve Soil
The first step in creating a water-wise landscape is to improve your soil.
Sandy soils, on the other hand, are more porous and allow rainfall to drain away too quickly.
Rely on Mulch
The next step of xeriscape landscaping is mulching.
Add a thick layer of mulch around your plants to help maintain consistent soil moisture.
Don’t let that happen.
Instead, build a dry streambed that captures runoff and forces it to percolate into the soil.
Dry creeks and stony streambeds are common elements of xeriscaping design.
Capture the Rain
Try this xeriscape idea.
During drought, every drop of water is precious.
Catch what you’re able to every time it sprinkles with a rain barrel attached to your gutters.
Believe it or not, some localities may ban them.
Water Wisely
Spraying your landscape with a hose is a wasteful and ineffective way to irrigate.
Plants do best with less frequent, but deep watering.
In this garden, a soaker hose is being installed under a layer of mulch to prevent evaporation.
How can you have a xeriscape backyard without eliminating too much green?
Turfgrass generally requires as much as 2.5 inches of water per week in midsummer.
That means you have to water every three or four days to keep it looking good.
Instead, why not rip up your turf and replace it with low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants?
Here’s how to xeriscape with tons of color.
This colorful border containsAloe saponariain a mixed bed ofsedumin jewel-like colors.
Succulents are naturally drought-resistant and look great all summer long.
Rely on Containers
Container gardens need to be watered almost every day.
That can be a problem if water resources are at a premium.
But, you don’t need to put all your pots and planters away.
Instead, fill them with colorful collections of water-wise plants that you could ignore when rainfall is scarce.
Here, the variety ‘Dreamtime Jumbo Light Pink’ thrives in a sunny, dry location.
Plant Groundcovers
Stop erosion on slopes and hillsides with groundcovers.
In shady locations, use groundcovers such asAjuga, lamium,Pachysandra, orivy.
For exposed sunny spots, try ornamental grass,sedum,nepeta, orliriope.
Create Water Zones
To save water, it’s a good idea to cluster thirstier plants together.
That way you won’t have to water your entire landscape to keep things alive.
In this garden, crops are grown together in a raised bed tucked up against a back deck.
Runoff is also trapped by a dry streambed that runs the length of the backyard.
Excavate the area and fill with improved soil.
Then build a dry streambed that empties into the area.
When it storms, the water will follow the streambed and pool in the rain garden.
Read Up
Do a little research before adding plants to your water-wise landscape.
In this xeriscape design, thread-leaf agave thrives alongside a drift ofGaillardia.
Commonly calledblanket flower,Gaillardiais an easy-care perennial native to the dry prairies of the United States.
Herbs also add color and fragrance to any setting.
One of our top picks for xeriscaping is rosemary.
This tough-as-nails shrubby perennial is prized as much for its foliage and flowers as for its culinary uses.
Rosemary is hardy outdoors in Zones 8-10.
One of our favorites isSempervivum, commonly calledhens-and-chicks.
Available in a variety of colors and shapes, these rugged perennials spread by aboveground stems called stolons.
You also can tuckSempervivumsbetween boulders to stop seepage from eroding the soil.
Stop the Wind
Wind and drought go hand in hand.
Plus, strong winds can even blow your topsoil away.
In this exposed California garden, the plants are protected from drying winds by a 6-foot-tall privacy fence.
Plant tags alone don’t tell the whole story about how a particular plant will work in your backyard.
Succulent Container Garden
Make containers full of succulents part of your xeriscaping plan!
They’re portable, easy to maintain, and can bring an otherwise barren porch or patio to life.
Repurpose old metal bins or buckets for an antique look.
