xeriscapes
Drought-tolerant landscaping designs
Xeriscapes are landscapes designed to minimize water use, typically featuring drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation.
The term combines the Greek *xeros* (dry) with landscape.
Common in arid regions, xeriscaping reduces lawn areas in favor of native plants and rock features: The neighborhood converted to xeriscapes during the drought.
Moisture-retaining flora
- cactiSpiny water-storing plants
- agaveSpiny desert succulent
- yuccaSpiny desert plant
- sedumSucculent groundcover genus
aloe · sagebrush · mesquite · buffalograss · ornamental grasses · groundcover · lavender · rosemary
Loose small rock fragments
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- bouldersLarge rounded stones
- paversFlat stones for walkways
- pathwaysRoutes for walking
hardscape · rock garden · dry garden · lava rock · flagstone · raised beds · berms · focal points
Minimizing freshwater waste strategically
- sustainabilityCapacity to endure indefinitely
- native plantsFlora original to area
- low-maintenanceRequiring little care
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
habitat restoration · pollinator-friendly · biodiversity · soil health · composting · permaculture · climate adaptation
Prolonged water scarcity
- aridDevoid of water
- desertTo leave behind completely
- dryFree from moisture
- parchedExtremely dry or thirsty
Mediterranean · semi-arid · evaporation · rainfall · microclimate · hardiness
Slow-release watering method
- drip systemTargeted slow-release watering
- rainwater harvestingGathering precipitation for later use
- greywaterLight household wastewater
- soaker hosePorous tube for watering
ollas · swales · soil moisture · emitters · mulching
succulents
Moisture-retaining flora
sedum · aloe · sagebrush · mesquite · buffalograss · ornamental grasses · groundcover · lavender · rosemary · penstemon
gravel
Loose small rock fragments
pathways · hardscape · rock garden · dry garden · lava rock · flagstone · raised beds · berms · focal points · native plantings
water conservation
Minimizing freshwater waste strategically
- sustainabilityCapacity to endure indefinitely
- native plantsFlora original to area
- low-maintenanceRequiring little care
eco-friendly · habitat restoration · pollinator-friendly · biodiversity · soil health · composting · permaculture · climate adaptation
drought
Prolonged water scarcity
parched · Mediterranean · semi-arid · evaporation · rainfall · microclimate · hardiness
drip irrigation
Slow-release watering method
- drip systemTargeted slow-release watering
- rainwater harvestingGathering precipitation for later use
- greywaterLight household wastewater
soaker hose · ollas · swales · soil moisture · emitters · mulching