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Water is a precious resource and when we are talking about a region like Gardens in Calgary, where I am from, in which the climate is semi desert, then water becomes even a more precious commodity.
Denver Colorado residents in 1971 thought of conserving water, so they thought of trying out xeriscape gardening. If you are wondering what xeriscape means then it is a word derived from a Xeros in Greek which can be translated as dry.
What follows are 7 Xeriscape gardening principles which can help you get started.
1) Polish your design
This concept is simple for gardens. Refine your design to meet watering needs of plants.
Group the same shrubs together in one area so there will be minimal water needs.
Also, you can cluster plants with low water requirement and plant them in the lower level of your garden so the water from the higher level flows easily downwards.
2) Do you need big turf?
Essentially, we need to limit the turf in our yards because it is a huge water eater. If we plant intelligently, we conserve water with amount of space in the garden that we will save.
3) Plants that need little water is good
Many plants that you will choose should be drought resistant so it might be wise to use them in your garden design. You can follow these suggestions.
Potentilla, pygmy caragana, mugho pine, sea buckthorn, many species of juniper. Shoots like a oleaster and syringa genus.
Some good perennials include succulents, grey or silver leafed plants, rock garden plants, and spring bulbs. Find other annual flowers and they will do just fine.
4) Nicely arrange your irrigation
One of the annoying things is to see someone water his lawn and his neighbor simultaneously. Try to fix your system if you’re one of those people.
Aerial sprinklers are mostly affected by vaporization. For that matter you may need to find a new overhead sprinkler every now and then. Drip irrigation is one of the few low emitting systems which has proven itself as a good alternative to overhead sprinkler.
I can understand if you have some sort of an attachment to overhead watering system, it’s still okay to use it! Try using it in the morning.
5) Use some mulch
If you are trying to find ways to minimize evaporation in Calgary garden the mulch is the right choice. About 2 to 3 inches should be enough in your garden.
6) Modify your soil garden.
But if you have compost like a peat moss, then this shouldn’t be a concern.
7) Sustain your garden.
It is of prime importance to maintain your garden all the time. This can be achieved by weeding regularly, keeping proper mulch level, and efficient irrigation systems. Once you have attended to this then you will find your garden water efficient.
Simply said, xeriscaping can make it possible for home owners to conserve water.
If you apply even some of the above mentioned techniques to your gardening then I am sure that you will be one in good shape with the changes of tomorrow.
You should be able to foresee that government will get tough on conservation of water, and you would have remembered what I have told you on xeriscape gardening and how it could have helped you prevent the fines in your water loss.
As time goes by drip irrigation will become the right choice vs. spray heads
The secret on all of these is to enjoy gardening and be smart with the use of water. Even though you have no Gardens to preserve, just study plants in your local to make this happen.
It doesn’t matter if you are engaging in a Calgary Garden Design or are are designing in some other region, using water wisely is important. In my Calgary Gardens we always take these xeriscape principals into consideration.
Written by: Custom Stone and Waterscapes 3829 Parkhill Place SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2W6 (403) 870-1142
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