7 Principals of Xeriscaping

Xeric Garden

Xeriscaping protects one of our most important natural resources—water. xeric garden styles which utilize xeric techniques, offer rewards for all homeowners that are wanting a lush garden but still be water wise. Creating a low water use landscape is simple and uses traditional techniques as well as the concept of gardening appropriately for the climate zone.
 

Water Preservation

According to ADWR, On average, each Arizona resident uses about 120 gallons per day. About 20 percent of the State's water supply is for municipal use, and most of this is residential. Up to 70 percent of that water is used outdoors (watering plants, swimming pools, washing cars, etc.) especially during the summer months, with the remaining used indoors (bathing, cooking, cleaning, etc.). Residents that incorporate water efficiency into everyday life help to preserve water for future generations.
FIRST LAYER
Place showy and thirsty plants near the house so they create an oasis of green foliage and colorful blooms. Use drip system and misters for your plantings.
 
SECOND LAYER
Drought tolerant plantings that need infrequent watering and use a drip system to mitigate watering or no watering during rainy season. 
 
THIRD LAYER
Trim and leave natural vegetation that only needs rainfall to survive. Such as the palo duro, mesquite, and cacti. 

7 Principals

  1. Design a comprehensive plan based on your site as well as your lifestyle
  2. Create practical turf areas or nix it and use synthetic turf instead.
  3. Use drought tolerant plants and group them according to their needs.
  4. Improve the soil and install irrigation system.
  5. Install an irrigation system to water efficiently.
  6. Use organic mulches or gravel to reduce water evaporation.  
  7. Practice appropriate landscape maintenance.
The xeriscape philosophy is a approach that consists of seven principles that work together to create a well-functioning, integrated habitat. If you live in an area that is drought prone, or if you are simply interested in living lighter on the land, consider a xeriscape garden.
 

Eco-Friendly

Xeriscapes are low-water landscape designs that offer attractive and environment-friendly alternatives to grass lawns, conserving water with drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation. Arid and semiarid climates were the first natural xeriscapes; they require rugged plants that can survive a drought. Xeriscape gardens and landscapes are popular in dry regions, where naturally unthirsty plants thrive and reflect their native environment

Wildlife & Lush Flowers

The low water use garden will support a broad range of plants and can be a haven for wildlife such as songbirds, butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as lizards, and squirrels. Foliage can be lush and flowers plentiful. Xeric maintenance is minimal providing us with more time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Through careful design and plant selection, soil improvement, mulching, irrigation, and maintenance, xeriscaping helps ensure successful growth and drastically cuts watering requirements.