A. "Xeros" - (From the Greek word meaning "dry"). Between 40-60% of the water used in the Texas urban areas is used for landscape and garden watering. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service is attempting to reduce excessive water use by creating programs on Xeriscape landscaping. Xeriscape landscaping is best described as creative landscaping that conserves water and energy, and protects the environment.
By incorporating the seven basic principles of Xeriscape landscaping you will be participating in saving earth's most precious natural resource - water.
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The seven principles are: |
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Planning and design |
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Soil analysis |
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Appropriate plant selection |
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Practical turf areas |
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Efficient irrigation |
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Use of mulches |
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Appropriate maintenance |
Xeriscape landscaping is not only well-suited to the Upper Gulf Coast area, but can be successful in any area. The trees, shrubs and ground covers you choose should be those that are naturally adapted to your region. These can be native Texas plants, (Texas has many native plants), and the native plants can be combined with exotic plants that are well adapted to your area to create a very attractive, interesting and low maintenance landscape.
I recommend you contact your local nurseries who are knowledgeable about native Texas plants, as well as exotic plants adapted to your area, to obtain more detailed information on Xeriscape landscaping and the plants that will do well in your area. Another excellent source for publications on this subject is your County Extension Office. They have a wealth of information on a variety of subjects.
I am ending with this quote from the January 2001, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, in the hope that people will take heed of it's message. "Water unwise: Homeowners with conservation-minded Xeriscape gardens use more water than traditional gardeners, according to research at Arizona State University. How can that be? Seems the problem is people, not plants.