XERISCAPING

XERISCAPING
"xeri" is from the Greek word "xeros" meaning dry
"scape" means scene or view


Xeriscaping can be referred to as a garden design with very low water requirements. It can involve the use of drought tolerant plants such as cacti, or it might be using ornamental gravel or synthetic turf in place of a traditional home lawn. With water resources becoming more precious in the 21st Century, gardeners are likely to take a much closer look at some level of Xeriscaping in their future garden plans. Some even say the modern approach to South of England landscaping is Xeriscaping!
Advantages of xeriscaping:
Saves time and money
Conserves water resources
Pest and disease problems are minimal
Low maintenance
Low fertilization requirements
Preserves landfill space.

principles of Xeriscaping:
a.Planning and Design - Plan water-wise landscaping using drought tolerant varieties.
b. Smart Turf - Limit the use of turfgrasses with high water demands. Consider planting drought tolerant varieties of grass where needed.
c. Soil Improvements - Add organic matter to improve the water holding capacity of your soil.
Mulching - Mulches mimimize evaporation and help cool the soil.
d. Efficient Irrigation - Drip irrigation can greatly reduce water waste. Water is applied slowly and exactly where it's needed. Installation of these systems is cost effective when compared to e.rising water costs.
f. Maintenance - Keep irrigation systems in good repair and properly adjusted.
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Plant Choices for Around The Pool

SWIMMING POOLS
With proper maintenance and safety, a swimming pool can create an enjoyable hub for family activities during the summer months, and year round in the warmer climes. The swimming pool season in the northeastern United States usually extends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Landscaping around swimming pools should focus on plants that are attractive during the swimming season without causing problems. Potential problems can include bees and deciduous trees that shed their fall foliage into the pool. In woodland settings it's best to maintain a cleared buffer area around the pool to prevent problems with leaves. This may require occasional tree trimming to move an encroaching woods line back from the pool.

PLANT CHOICES FOR AROUND THE POOL
Blue Pacific Juniper makes a nice spreading blue-green ground cover
Colorado Blue Spruce provides height and color without deciduous leaf drop. Needle shed may become a problem in later years, so plant back from the pool surround.
Ornamental grasses help create a casual relaxed feel around the pool area. Cutback in November (in the northeast) to prevent the dead grass blades from blowing around and making a mess.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a well behaved evergreen that doesn't require any trimming.
Gold Thread Cypress is an attractive plant foradding some color. Allow it room to grow.
Mugho Pine is a good selection. Shape this evergreen shrub in June when the new growth "candles" are still tender.
Gold Junipers grow fast and add color. Allow room to grow and control size with regular trimming.
Blue Star Junipers are well behaved and stay compact. Most Junipers do best in full sun.

CAUTION: When using fertilizer around a swimming pool, make sure not to get any in the water. Nitrogen in particular can cause serious problems. Also be extremely careful with the use of herbicides around pools since many products can potentially wash or leach into the water. Always read and follow label directions.

Planning Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can enhance a landscape with dramatic lighting techniques which contrast light and shadow, or be more subtle with wide washes of outdoor illumination. In addition to the aesthetics of landscaping lighting, well placed lighting fixtures improve visibility for home security and safety. Various styles and forms of landscape lighting include uplighting, accent lighting, silhouette lighting, directional lighting, path lighting, and security lighting. Outdoor lighting options include both low voltage lighting and 120-volt landscape lighting systems.

PLANNING LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

SKETCH - Draw a birds-eye view of your property to use for layout purposes, including the house footprint, walks, driveways, and major landscape features. Include utility lines, sprinkler lines and other buried items. OVERVIEW - Make a list of the various areas in your yard that require or would qualify for outdoor lighting. DON'T OVERDUE IT - Too many lights look busy and don't allow for the proper mix of contrasting light and dark. FINAL PLAN - Sketch fixture locations and where wires will run. Remember it's difficult to go under walks and driveways, and exposed wires are a last resort. TESTING - If possible, temporarily hook-up the landscape lighting system on top of the ground and see how it looks after dark. Make necessary adjustments before final installation. FINAL INSTALLATION - Once you are happy with the final layout, install the wires and lights. Check local ordinances for requirements and follow local codes. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - It's important to know where lighting wires are buried for future activities, such as planting and digging. Consider protecting wires inside conduit, especially where they are close to the surface or the edge of a bed.

Shadow Lighting - Place the lighting fixture so it shines on an object or tree, creating a shadow on a wall. Uplighting - Use a spotlight to illuminate an attractive tree or plant in your landscape. Accent Lighting - Highlight an architectural detail, statue or garden sculpture. Silhouette Lighting - Light the wall behind an unusually shaped tree to create a silhouette effect.
Solar Lighting this should be considered if getting power to the area you are wanting light to is to expencive such as areas right at the bottom of a rocky garden.
Downlighting or Moonlighting - A spotlight hidden high in a tree creates an interesting moonlight effect. Path Lighting - Light the way to your front door for guest's safety and convenience. Area Lighting - Show off large areas of flowers and ornamental plantings. Security Lighting - Well-lit outdoor areas can discourage burglars. Consider using photocells or motion detectors to activate these lights. Stair Lighting - Add embedded or external stair fixtures to reduce the hazard of dark steps. Wall Lighting - Illuminate an interesting wall... coarse textured walls can be 'grazed' with light. Column Lighting - Narrow spotlights can be used to define columns or pillars, creating an interesting effect.
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