How to Xeriscape a Yard With No Grass
Xeriscaping is a method of landscaping that minimizes water use and increases organic nutrients in the soil. The method does not have to result in a landscape of rock and sand, although that is one way to xeriscape. Today's method involves carefully chosen plants with drought tolerance and planting and mulching that increases moisture retention. The plants should be appropriate for your area and there should be limited open soil zones. The most critical part of xeriscaping is a well-crafted plan which you can do your self or consult a landscape architect. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Compost
- Rake
- Graph paper
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Irrigation drip line
- Line conncectors
- Drip heads
- Hose punch
- Hose
- Mulch
- Plants
Instructions
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1
Clear the area you will be xeriscaping. Rake the bed smooth and remove stumps or rocks. Spread 4 to 6 inches of compost over the area to increase fertility and moisture retention. Work the compost in or just top dress the soil.
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2
Measure the area you will be working on and graph out the dimensions on the graph paper. Consider the types of plants you would like and their placement. Drought-resistant native plants are good choices as are ground covers and vines to cover the area completely. Roughly sketch in the plants and their placement. Add large features if you wish such as boulders or rock paths.
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3
Dig a trench for the main drip line around the area you will be planting. Measure where the plants will go and put secondary lines in trenches to each place a plant will be set. Attach the secondary lines to the main line using the hose punch and connectors. Install a drip head at the end of each secondary line. Bury all the lines leaving the heads out just enough to allow water to drip onto the base of the plants.
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4
Place your plants as they are on the graph. Plant them where you want them, positioning the drip heads for adequate watering. The drip system will target just the plants and save water. If you have chosen ground cover, scatter the plants across the open surface of the bed. They will fill in shortly.
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5
Spread a layer of mulch at least 2 inches thick around the plants and on all exposed areas of the bed. Use organic mulch that will compost into the soil adding nutritive benefits. Rock mulches are another option, but they tend to trap weed seeds and become difficult to control. Organic mulch impedes weed growth and increases water retention.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your university extension or city planning division for ideas on the types of plants to use instead of grasses. Make certain the plant choices are tolerant of minimum water.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
