Colorado Springs Utilities discusses the basics of xeriscape
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Wall Germander[/caption]
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.
How to xeriscape
Xeriscape principles can be used to create new landscapes as well as to modify existing ones.
No matter what the size and scope of your project, putting pencil to paper is the best possible way to plan. A good design affects how nice the landscape looks, as well as how much water is saved and how much maintenance is required.The following steps lead you through the completion of a landscape design that takes into account our climate, microclimates of your site, condition of your soil, and existing plants and landscape features.Use this list to make sure you have all the materials you will need to complete the steps:
- Creating a Base plan: Create a drawing of your current landscape to help visualize the areas of your property and how they relate to one another.
- Site analysis: Evaluate existing conditions using a panoramic photo and a site analysis inventory.
- Use analysis: Determine your needs and wants for the new landscape.
- Schematic planning: Decide where specific use areas will be located.
- Master planning: Pull together all of your work in steps one through four in a "final" design plan you will use to create your drawings in steps six and seven.
- Planting plan: Choose plants to fit your master plan.
- Irrigation plan: Design the irrigation system to fit your master plan.
- Phasing in the landscape design: Decide what must be done at once, what sequence to follow, and what can be done in the longer term.
- Maintaining the landscape: Commit to caring for your new xeriscape-inspired landscape.
