So how Xeriscape translate to designing outdoor spaces? What it is important to keep in mind.
To begin with, the general design concepts in landscape design remain the same but the elements that you bring to the space are carefully selected to meet the goal of positive impact on nature.
Landscapes need to be planned to be compatible with locally available resources, including water, soil types, and sunlight conditions. These are the concepts that rule sustainable landscape design:
1- Conserve water by using drought tolerant plants. The use of plants that can thrive with minimal water holds a significant promise for sustainable water management. Their ability to flourish with limited irrigation makes them immensely valuable for meeting our sustainable goals. By embracing resilient plants, our communities can mitigate the strain on water resource and will bring a relieve to our water bills.
2- Choose native plant material. Native plants know how to thrive naturally in their local conditions. It is just ‘logical’. They have been growing in our local eco-system way before humans decided to give them an ornamental value. They are well adapted to the local soil conditions, water availability, light and weather patterns. Also, they tend to have few pest problems, another big plus. Using native plants is really a no brainer.
3- Consider other alternative for lawn. There are many beautiful groundcover options depending on your weather conditions and best of all they need to be moved once a year or not if want to. These alternatives foster biodiversity in our local environments, substantially decrease water usage for irrigation, mitigate noise pollution and the environmental impact stemming from mowers and blowers, and significantly reduce the need for chemical applications such as fertilizers and pesticides to maintain lush green lawns. There are approximately 40 million acres of lawn, and growing in the United States. And it is estimated that blowers and mowers use more than 800 million gallons of gasoline per year. This creates a constant burden to our natural resources and increases carbon dioxide emissions.
4- Integrate locally-sourced hardscape materials. Each region in our country possesses a unque essence that serves as the foundation for harmoniously blending outdoor spaces with their surroundings. Attempting to incorporate coral stone in the Rocky Mountains, for instance, would appear contrived rather that complementary. Opt for stones, gravels, and pavers that are either naturally found or produced locally. This approach not only cuts down on transportation costs but also conserves natural resources and minimizes environmentalWhether you’re going for a week or two on vacation, or on a business trip, make sure to travel prepared. My travel kit always includes tons of medicine. I don’t want to catch something while out on the road, so I’m prepared for anything!
5- Your mulch, your choice. If you are in wooded area incorporate wood mulches, if you are in dry, desert area incorporate gravels or incorporate both anywhere you are. The practice of xeriscaping will vary from region to region. Mulches and gravels are generally used to conserve the water and suppress labor.
6- Install an efficient irrigation system suitable to your design.
Our new approach to garden design needs to adapt to these concepts. We need to study the essence of our local environment before we start designing.
By designing a landscape in an appropriate manner, a balance among beauty, water conservation, sustainability and low maintenance can be achieved that fits both, the aesthetic needs of the client, and sustainability of the new garden.
Keep in mind that the goal is to design gardens that meet our lifestyle and bring a positive impact to the environment.
Just remember that if we care for nature and Mother Earth will do the rest. We are here to help with your vision. We would love to hear from you by adding your comments or questions that you may have.