Xeriscape

In the climate we live in, low water landscaping is ideal. It requires minimal water and maintenance.

What is xeriscaping?

It is a method of landscaping, originally developed for drought affected areas, where water conservation and unique aesthetics are a major influence to promote its installation. In the climate we live in, low water landscaping is ideal. It requires minimal water and maintenance.

The plants used will take a few years to establish and therefore will need attention in that time. After that, they are designed to take care of themselves!

There are 7 main principles behind the motivation and proper installation of a true Xeriscape landscape:

  1. Water conservation
  2. Soil improvement
  3. Limited turf areas
  4. Appropriate plants
  5. Mulch
  6. Irrigation
  7. Maintenance.

Each of the 7 principles helps to create a low impact, environmentally friendly landscape.

We partnered with the town of Milk River to convert the front lawn at Town Hall. We hope that this project will inspire others to adopt this method of landscaping. When done properly it is an amazing sight. It was done it 2 parts, the north side was done in 2018 and the south side was done in 2019.

Don’t forget to be plantwise! Make sure you avoid planting invasive species. Check out the Grow Me Instead brochure and check out other resources through Alberta Invasive Species Council.

Thanks to Steve McRae for his expertise and passion for plants. If you are interested in knowing more about having a low maintenance yard through xeriscaping, feel free to stop by the Milk River Watershed Council office.

Categories: Watershed Projects
Tags: biodiversity
Author: Oldman Watershed Council, Prairie Urban Garden