About Xeriscaping

With the semi-arid climate and unique soil conditions in our region, xeriscape is a way to save water, time and money in your landscape. Xeriscape as an attractive, sustainable landscape that conserves water, is based on sound horticultural practices, and shows evidence of care.

Resources

• Fact sheets and resources 
• Free live landscape webinars and recorded webinars
• Find the right plant
• Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens
• Water Wise Neighborhood Demonstrations
  
• Browse the photo gallery of local landscapes

How to xeriscape
Any homeowner can create a beautiful water wise landscape in their yard. Whether you are converting your existing landscape or starting from scratch, a water wise landscape beautifies, modernizes, and upgrades your landscape, adding value to your home.

Rather than referring to the resulting landscape, the term “xeriscape” refers to a process of landscaping founded on a set of seven principles. When used together, these principles create a quality, water-efficient landscape that is adapted to the natural environment.

The seven principles are:

1. Create a plan/design that considers long term water use
2. Evaluate and improve the soil
3. Create practical turf areas of manageable sizes and shapes
4. Select plants adapted to our climate and soils, and group them according to water need
5. Water efficiently
6. Use mulch to reduce evaporation
7. Care for the landscape using appropriate landscape maintenance techniques