Presented�By�Bud�Jones�NMSU�Grounds�Manager
Xeriscaping�projects� Definition�of� XERISCAPE A�landscaping�method�developed� especially�for�arid�and�semiarid� climates�that�utilizes�water� conserving�techniques�(as�the�use� of�drought�tolerant�plants,�mulch,� and�efficient�irrigation).�
What�is�Xeriscaping�about?� Xeriscape�incorporates�seven�water� Design conserving�principles:� Whether your developing a new landscape , • Planning�and�design. renovating an existing one, or just looking for ways • Efficient�irrigation�systems,�properly� to conserve water in an urban environment, proper designed�and�maintained. planning and design are essential to creating a • Use�of�mulch. landscape. • Soil�preparation. Keys to success are: • Appropriate�turf. 1. Map it out • Water�efficient�plant�material.� 2. Shade is very cool • Appropriate�maintenance. 3. Identify micro climates 4. Plant selection
Irrigation Irrigation�is�necessary�in�a�xeric� landscape,�at�least�during�the�first� few�years�while�the�plants'�root� systems�are�developing.�Following� establishment,�irrigation�may�still� be�necessary�depending�on�the� landscape�design�and�plants'� needs.�In�New�Mexico,�many� landscapes�need�irrigation�for�at� least�a�portion�of�the�planted�area� for�the�life�of�the�garden.�The�oasis� and�the�moderate�water�use�zones� have�the�greatest�need�for� irrigation,�but�it�is�wise�to�plan� irrigation�even�in�the�low�water� use�zone�to�allow�for�new�planting,� changes,�and�years�of�severe� drought.�
Use�of�Mulch Mulch�provides�a�cover�over�the� soil,�reducing�evaporation,�soil� temperature,�and�erosion.� Spreading�mulch�over�your� garden�soil�also�suppresses� weeds.�And�over� time,�mulches� made�from�organic�materials� break�down�and�increase�your� soil's�structure�and�fertility.
Soil�Preparation Soil�preparation�is�an�important� part�of�successful�xeriscaping�and� gardening.�When�done�prior�to� planting,�soil�testing can�help� determine�which�plants�are�best� adapted�to�the�site�and�which� amendments�are�appropriate�for� improving�the�soil�for�the�selected� plants.�Loosening�the�soil�improves� root�development�and�allows� better�infiltration�of�water�and�air� needed�by�plants'�roots.�This�is� important�in�all�water�use�zones.�
Appropriate�use�of� turf One�of�the�most�controversial�and� misunderstood�of�the�xeriscaping� principles�is�the�concept�of� appropriate�turf.�Turfgrasses�have�a� place�in�the�landscape,�even�the� xeriscape.�Turf�is�easy�to�maintain,� although�it�requires�more�frequent� care�than�many�other�landscape� plants.�Turf�provides�a�play�surface� for�children�and�pets.�It�is�an� important�element�in�cooling�the� local�environment,�reducing� erosion,�and�preventing�glare�from� the�sun.�Other�ground�cover�plants� can�perform�these�functions�� except�providing�a�playing�surface� for�activities.
Water�efficient� plant�material There�are�many�very�attractive� plants�for�use�in�water�wise� landscapes.�While�you�may�use� many�of�your�old�favorites�,�there�is� a�wide�variety�of�colorful�fragrant,� and�beautiful�plants�for�the�less� irrigated�part�of�the�landscape.� Many�have�long�blooming�seasons� and�attractive�leaves.�Some�provide� autumn�interest�with�colorful� foliage�and�fruit,�while�others�offer� winter�interest�with�their�fruit,� seed�stalks,�and�winter�colors� ranging�from�silver,�to�gray,�to� many�different�green�and�brown� shades.� Delosperma�floribunda�Starburst�(r)�� Hardy�Ice�Plant�
Genista�lydia�� Lydia� Broom� A�little�more�about�Genista�lydia�� Lydia�Broom� The�slender�pendulous�branches�of�this�"outstanding�dwarf�shrub�are�covered�with�golden� yellow�flowers�in�early�summer.�Sun/Med�Dry�
Pennisetum� alopecuroides – Fountain� grass�� Chinese� pennisetum�is�a� perennial�. The�arching�mound�of�bright�green� foliage�turns�golden�brown�in�winter.� The�flower�spikelets�are�borne�in� bristly�yellowish�to�purplish�cylinders� to�8"�long.�They�resemble�bottle� brushes,�and�are�at�their�peak�in� summer�and�begin�to�disintegrate�by� early�winter.
Pennisetum�setaceum 'Rubrum' Purple�Fountain�Grass�has�a� symmetrical�and�mounding�habit.�The� reddish�purple�racemes�may�be�12"�in� length�and�arch�gracefully�above�the� burgundy�foliage�in�late�summer.�After� the�first�killing�frosts,�this�ornamental� grass�fades�to�amber,�and�continues�to� be�a�welcomed�addition�to�the�winter� landscape.�It�introduces�motion�with� every�breeze.�An�annual�in�our� climate.
Desert�willow�� Chilopsis� linearis Fluffy�pink/violet�flowers Native�to�Sonoran�Desert,�especially�in� stream�banks SW�Yavapai;�east�Harvill;�SW�Old� Main
The�real�task�at�hand�is�to�create� balance�utilizing�all�seven� principals.�
Planning�stages�at�Health�and� Social�Services
Construction�phase
Finished�product
Future�xeriscaping�project�sites
There�is�no�“I”�in�Team
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