Visit the Xeriscape Garden at Hollywood Ave and Shady Grove Road in Hot Springs to learn more common sense gardening.
By Karin Grisham and Jodi Tooke
Xeriscape is a fancy name for common-sense gardening. As populations grew in the American West, water demands increased. Using principles first developed by Denver Water in 1981, xeriscaping saves water, time, and resources while creating beautiful landscapes.
Derived from Greek, “xeros” means dry. That probably explains why people might associate it with ugly expanses of gravel and prickly cactus. However, the emphasis in xeriscaping is on plant selection for water conservation – planting native drought-resistant thrivers! The seven design principles (www.xeriscapes.net) are appropriate across all regions and can especially guide thrifty homeowners.
Design/plan. Diagram landscape, reinforcing good and addressing bad features. Pay attention to eroding slopes and soggy spots.
Prepare soil. Add compost to increase water retention; amend poor soil.
Limit turf. Use grasses tolerant to climate and sun conditions.
Choose plants. Group plants with similar needs in areas that support them. Various heights, colors, and textures create interest.
Irrigate properly. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. The most efficient systems release water in big drops near the ground. Avoid overhead and mid-day watering to minimize evaporation.
Mulch. Keeps plant roots cool, reduces evaporation, and resists wind or rain washout.
Maintain. Water, prune, control pests, and fertilize; as plants establish, it will take less time.
Join us at the Hot Springs Xeriscape Garden at Hollywood Ave and Shady Grove Road in Hot Springs to learn more!
Karin Grisham and Jodi Tooke are Garland County Master Gardeners, who volunteer with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, 501-623-6841 or abates@uaex.edu.
