| 1.
Planning and design
Planning allows you to match plants to the
characteristics of the site and to group plants according to water
needs.
2. Soil analysis and improvements
Soils vary from site to site and even within
a site. Soil analysis provides information that enables proper selection
of plants and any soil amendments needed. When appropriate, soil
amendments can enhance the health and growing capabilities of the
garden by improving drainage, moisture penetration and water holding
capacity.
3. Appropriate plant selection
Plant selection should be based on the plants'
ability to thrive in that site, the effect desired and the ultimate
size, colour, and texture of the plants. Most plants have a place
in a Xeriscape. Maximum water savings can be achieved by selecting
plants that require a minimal amount of supplementary watering in
a given area.
4. Practical lawn areas
Grassed areas needn't be an assumed part
of the garden. Lawns use a lot of water, so by reducing lawn area
you can automatically save water. There are many lawn grasses that
require little water. |
5.
Efficient irrigation
Watering only when plants need water and
watering deeply encourages deeper root growth resulting in a healthier
and more drought tolerant garden. If a Xeriscape requires regular
watering and/or if an irrigation system is desired, the system should
be planned to only deliver water where and when it is really required
6. Use of mulches
Mulches to an appropriate depth in garden
beds will help soils to retain moisture, reduce weed growth and
prevent erosion. Mulch can also be used as an alternative to lawn
or groundcover plants where conditions aren't adequate for good
growth. Mulches are typically wood bark chips, pea straws or gravel.
7. Maintenance
Proper garden, plant and irrigation maintenance
will preserve and enhance the garden. When the above principles
have been followed, maintenance of a Xeriscape is easy and inexpensive.
Because a Xeriscape is healthier, less fertiliser, pesticides and
other chemicals are needed to maintain the plant material. |
