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The Seven Principles of Xeriscape <br />1. Plan and Design for Water Conservation, Beauty and Utility <br />Draw the borders of your property, the house, garage, driveway, patios, walkways, lawn areas, garden beds, play and <br />utility areas, and trees and shrubs you want to keep. Place a sheet of tracing paper over your map and sketch in your <br />planned improvements. Be sure to note problem areas, water requirements, sun exposure, and the function of each <br />area. The best plan is a well thought out plan. <br />2. Improve the Soil <br />Good soil is the basis of any successful Xeriscape. Improving the soil with organic amendments will increase water <br />holding capacity and create more space for deeper root development. The addition of two to three inches of <br />organic matter tilled into the soil at a depth of at least six inches is sufficient. <br />3. Limit Turf to Practical Sizes or Select Alternatives to Turf <br />By limiting the space you devote to a lawn, you can reduce your water usage and yard maintenance. Consider <br />substituting ground covers or other low water plants in areas where bluegrass is difficult to establish or maintain. <br />Consider using a low -water turf grass, such as buffalo grass, gramma grasses or the fescue grasses. <br />4. Watering Efficiently With Proper Irrigation Methods <br />Water on windless days, preferably early in the morning. It is best to water deeply and not too often, enabling <br />plants to develop deep root systems. Low - pressure, low angle sprinklers are best used to irrigate turf. Drip, <br />micro - spray, or bubbler emitters are most efficient for watering trees, shrubs, flowers and groundcovers. If using <br />an automatic sprinkler system, adjust the controller regularly to meet seasonal needs and weather conditions <br />and install a rain shut -off device. Even small changes in your watering schedule and habits can reduce water <br />consumption by as much as 20 percent. It is important to know that most "winter kill" in our region is caused, <br />not by cold temperatures, but by lack of winter moisture. Be sure to give your landscape a good soaking during <br />prolonged winter dry spells when the temperature is above freezing. <br />5. Select Appropriate Plants and Group According to Similar Water Needs <br />By focusing on low water plants, you will be amazed at the huge variety of beautiful plants that thrive in our <br />semi -arid climate. Use a variety of plants of differing heights, colors, and textures to create interest and beauty. <br />Grouping plants according to their water and sunlight requirements ensures that they will flourish in an optimal <br />environment. Many gardeners plan their landscape to accommodate three watering zones: high- water, moderate - <br />water, and low -water zones. <br />6. Mulch to Reduce Evaporation <br />Mulches cover the soil and are used to conserve soil moisture, reduce weed growth, cool the root zone, slow erosion and <br />create a neat appearance. Organic mulches should be applied in a layer of three to four inches. Organic mulches decompose <br />and improve the soil texture, but they must be replenished. Inorganic mulches like rocks and gravel rarely need replacement <br />and are good in windy spots, but they tend to retain and radiate heat and may be difficult to maintain. Apply inorganic <br />mulches in a two to four inch layer on the soil surface. <br />7. Proper Maintenance <br />Although Xeriscape gardening can reduce maintenance, no landscape is maintenance free. The regular and timely <br />performance of certain chores is essential. Proper planting, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, weeding and irrigation <br />not only cut down on water use, but also ensure plant health and beauty. <br />22 <br />