Low-water, low-maintenance gardening
A xeriscape landscape does not mean a desert of rocks with the occasional shrub thrown in to soften the austere effect. It does mean the reduction of lawn area. Lawns are notorious for being water hogs. To maintain a lawn to perfection requires deep watering about twice a week. Other plant material will thrive with considerably less water.
What is the purpose of your lawn? Is it a showpiece, to make neighbours green with envy? A soft area on which to play, sit and relax with your grandchildren? A sports field for your growing children? A backdrop from which to showcase perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs? All of these should be considered if a change in landscape is required to meet your current needs (not those of your neighbours).
If your lawn is a priority, you can save on water by planting the right grass mix for your purpose. Ensure your sprinklers work properly and are watering your lawn, not the sidewalk. If your sprinkler system is on a timer, add a shut-off valve to ensure it turns off when it rains. Don’t cut your lawn during a drought. Set the cutting height at around two to three inches during hot weather. The longer grass blades will shade the soil, conserving moisture.
If you decide to reduce your lawn, replacing it with a more sustainable option, consider installing drip irrigation. You’ll conserve water by reducing evaporation and directing the water where it is needed, the plants’ root systems.
Before you start, consider your soil. Make sure it has plenty of organic matter that can sop up and retain the water, making it available to your perennials over a longer period of time. Amend the soil using compost. If your soil is very sandy or a heavy clay, add lots of peat moss as well. I’m a gardener on a budget.
So, I tend to amend the individual planting holes, rather than the soil in the entire bed.
When purchasing plants, follow the guidelines on the tag or in the nursery catalogue. Placing a shade plant in the sun will result in disappointment. Hostas thrive in both shade and sun but will require a lot more moisture when planted in full sun.
Group plants together by their needs: their preferences are generally dry shade, moist shade, dry sun or moist sun. Those that are drought tolerant will do better if watered diligently their first year. Once they are established, they should be able to fend for themselves, except during periods of extreme drought. Plants that are grouped together according to their needs can be watered at the same time. If you have a very large yard, place the plants needing the most water closest to the water source if possible.
Avoid planting moisture-loving perennials under spruce trees or other large trees with shallow, wide-spreading root systems and dense canopies. These trees are very efficient at robbing perennials of moisture. Shade-loving annuals like coleus, begonia and impatiens planted in pots on a bed of natural mulch can look lovely in this situation.
After planting new garden beds, apply four inches of a good organic mulch such as post peelings, cedar chips, straw or other materials which will decompose over time and release needed nutrients to your plants. Mulch retains soil moisture and prevents annual weeds from germinating, cutting down on weeding time.
And remember, folks, there is no such thing as a no maintenance landscape. Even rockscapes require maintenance, especially if situated next to a neighbour’s elm or maple tree.