xeriscape
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Xeriscape is a style of landscaping that minimizes water use, relying on drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and mulching.
The approach originated in arid western states but has spread wherever water conservation matters: They converted their lawn to xeriscape after the drought restrictions.
The verb means to landscape this way: We xeriscaped the front yard.
Moisture-retaining flora
- cactiSpiny water-storing plants
- agaveSpiny desert succulent
- yuccaSpiny desert plant
- sedumSucculent groundcover genus
aloe · lavender · sagebrush · buffalograss · penstemon · salvia · lantana · oleander
Loose small rock fragments
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- hardscapeConstructed outdoor elements
- rockeryLandscaped stone arrangement
- groundcoverLow plants blanketing soil
flagstone · boulders · dry creek bed · terracing · pathways · edging · drip irrigation · rain garden
Prolonged water scarcity
Originating from a place
- pollinatorsOrganisms transferring reproductive dust
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- endemic speciesLife found nowhere else
adaptation · butterfly garden · beneficial insects · food web · ecosystem · low-impact · chemical-free · soil health
Covering soil protectively
- permeableAllowing substances through
- evapotranspirationWater loss from land surfaces
- greywaterLight household wastewater
- moisture retentionHolding water within something
succulents
Moisture-retaining flora
sedum · aloe · lavender · sagebrush · buffalograss · penstemon · salvia · lantana · oleander · juniper
gravel
Loose small rock fragments
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- hardscapeConstructed outdoor elements
- rockeryLandscaped stone arrangement
groundcover · flagstone · boulders · dry creek bed · terracing · pathways · edging · drip irrigation · rain garden · berms
drought
Prolonged water scarcity
native
Originating from a place
- pollinatorsOrganisms transferring reproductive dust
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- biodiversityRange of life forms
endemic species · adaptation · butterfly garden · beneficial insects · food web · ecosystem · low-impact · chemical-free · soil health
mulching
Covering soil protectively
- permeableAllowing substances through
- evapotranspirationWater loss from land surfaces
- greywaterLight household wastewater
- gardensflower garden, flowerbeds, Chinese garden, rose garden, herb garden
- irrigationdrip irrigation, sprinkler, flood irrigation, drip, irrigation system
xeriscapetropical garden
Warm-climate cultivated landscape
English garden · lawn · water garden · bog garden · rain garden