Dear Aaron,
I’m sorry for your loss, but before you grieve the green grass of last summer, (and plot to let those dandelions go to seed and spread to your neighbor’s lawn), you might consider that your neighbor has done you a favor by giving you a chance to start over with a “Xeriscape”lawn. Now wasn’t that thoughtful?
“Xeriscaping” is landscaping with native or low-water plants specifically suited to our climate. Out here in our arid state, the majority of the precious little water we have is used to water landscapes. Most of the time we’re watering plants that come from wetter parts of the country (which is almost ANY other part of the country). To be a true Coloradoan, we need to live in balance with the ecosystem we’ve been given, rather than putting strains on our local natural resources to try to make our eco-system something it’s not.
Xeriscape should not be mistaken for “zero scape.” It doesn’t mean pulling together a rock, some sand and a cactus and calling it a yard (no disrespect intended to these beautiful things). Xeriscape is the combination of some common-sense gardening principles that save water while creating a lush, beautiful landscape. Here’s how to start Xeriscaping:
1. Plan a Design: Sketch your landscape area, paying attention to the sun exposure you get in each area.
2. Plant Selection: Look for the triple X rating for the hottest plants! It’s true, growers have xeric plant ratings from X to XXX. Visit www.xratedgardening.com for a list of xeric plants. The CSU Cooperative Extension also supplies fact sheets with lists at www.ext.colostate.edu/.
3. Zone Your Plants: Group plants by their water and sunlight needs.
4. Use Turf Alternatives: Because it requires a lot of water, use turf sparingly and plant alternative grasses like Buffalo Grass and fescues. Pavers, flagstone, or decks can be used in high traffic areas.
5. Soil Improvements: Adding organic matter such as compost, manure, grass clippings, leaves or compost tea to the soil increases its ability to hold water.
6. Mulch: Apply two to four inches of organic mulch around plants to minimize water evaporation and prevent weeds.
7. Irrigate Efficiently: When the weather turns hot and dry, even the lowest water-using Xeriscape will need supplemental water. Water deeply and infrequently to develop deep roots and water between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. to reduce evaporation. Pruning and weeding can also increase water savings.
There are lots of great Xeriscape resources to learn more. The Center for ReSource Conservation has free upcoming workshops on Xeriscaping in Boulder, Longmont, and Lafayette. Full details, registration and much more info are available online at www.conservationcenter.org or by calling 303.441.3278. The city of Boulder has a “Zero in on Xeriscape” program to help residents in specific areas of the city re-landscape high water-use areas. See www.bouldersaveswater.net for details and for more Xeriscape information. The city of Louisville offers water conservation rebates for turf-type buffalo grass, soil moisture sensors, and drip irrigation systems. Visit http://www.ci.louisville.co.us/PublicWorks/consrvprgm.htm. Also visit www.xeriscape.org. And for still more links and for directions to Xeriscape demonstration sites, visit www.ecocycle.org/askeco-cycle/formoreinfo/xeriscape.cfm.
Good luck, Aaron, and before you head out of town again, you might want to pick a Xeriscape flower bouquet for your neighbor in thanks for his help.
