One way to cut back on landscape water use is to utilize the principles of xeriscaping, a type of water-wise gardening that focuses on the efficient use of water.  The techniques involved are often misunderstood so let’s clarify these misconceptions.

No, XERIscape does not mean ZEROscape.

The term “xeriscape”, pronounced “zer- i - scape”, was coined in 1980 to promote water conserving landscape practices.  The term xeriscape comes from the Greek word “xeri” meaning dry and has become synonymous with water conserving landscapes.  Whether driven by drought, water supply limitations or a mere desire to have more efficient landscapes in our communities, the concept of water conserving landscapes has grown in popularity throughout the country. But this doesn’t mean that your yard has to be devoid of all living plant material and be covered with just rock and mulch.

Water-wise gardens can be drought tolerant yet beautiful.  The principles of xeriscape reduce water use by planning and designing the landscape carefully, limiting turf areas, using efficient irrigation techniques, improving the soil before planting, using organic mulches to minimize water loss, selecting low water demanding plants and maintaining the landscape appropriately. Using these principles, you can conserve water and have a beautiful landscape.

Yes, even drought tolerant plants need some supplemental water.

The Front Range is considered a semi-arid environment receiving an average of only 8-12 inches of natural moisture each year and most of this moisture comes in the form of snow.  Many of the drought tolerant plants that grow well in our area can survive and even thrive on this amount of natural moisture.  But all plants will need supplemental water when they are first planted.  The majority of plants will take approximately two years for the root system to get established in the landscape.  Until that time, they will need regular watering particularly during the hottest and driest months of the summer. Some plants are moderate rather than low water users and will require some supplemental irrigation even after their root system is established.  Group plants with similar water needs together and water them accordingly.  This will prevent over-watering some while under-watering others.

No, not all native plants are drought tolerant.

Most native plants are well adapted to our soils and climate and endure our sometimes harsh summers and winters. But some of these native plants are found in areas of naturally higher moisture such as along streams or intermittent streams.  Others grow in the canyons and gulches of the foothills where more moisture naturally accumulates. Explore the type of area where these natives are found and place them in a similar landscape environment.

Yes, turf areas can have their place in a water-wise landscape.

You don’t have to dig out all of your lawn to have a water-wise landscape, just limit the turf area to where it is the best choice.  Turf can be one of the best choices for high use areas such as a children’s play area or dog run where grass is preferred over hardscapes. Kentucky bluegrass, one of the higher water requiring grasses to maintain a high quality turf, can be a good choice for heavy use areas since it can take a fair amount of abuse and rebound quickly. If left unirrigated, Kentucky bluegrass will go dormant rather than die.  It will turn brown but will green up again if watered. There are also cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass that are somewhat more drought tolerant.

If the turf area is not heavily used, there are a number of grasses that require less irrigation to remain green and some natives that are quite drought tolerant creating a beautiful plains or meadow effect.

To minimize water loss when irrigating a turf area, design the area without obstructions.  Don’t plant turf in narrow areas that are difficult to irrigate or on slopes that are difficult to mow.

For more information on xeriscape or water-wise landscaping see the following Fact Sheets:

7.228 Xeriscaping: creative landscaping

7.229 Xeriscaping:trees and shrubs

7.230 Xeriscaping:ground cover plants

7.231 Xeriscaping:garden flowers

7.234 Xeriscaping:retrofit your yard

You can also go directly to the following web sites for specific drought information:

Municipal water restrictions:  www.drought.colostate.edu

CSU Extension:  www.ext.colostate.edu

Turfgrass management:  http://csuturf.colostate.edu

Plant Select:  www.ext.colostate.edu/psel

Tree watering guidelines: www.watersaver.org

Q:  I have heard of plants "damping off."  What is it?

A:  Damping off is a disease caused by a group of soil borne fungi that can attack young seedling stems at or below the soil level.  It is often associated with plants that are started indoors.  To prevent this from happening, use sterilized potting soil.  Another good preventive measure is to water the seedlings from the bottom of the tray rather than from the top.  This will allow roots a sufficient amount of water without making the soil too wet.

Q: I have a small yard but would love to grow vegetables.  Which ones would grow well in containers?

A:  There are a number of vegetables that do well in pots.  Some good choices are bush-type plants such as beans, peas, and zucchini.  Other choices are cucumbers that can trail down the sides of your pot, loose-leaf lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and Japanese eggplant.  Herbs are also good in pots. Remember when planting to put the trailing herbs on the outer edge of the pot so they can trail down the sides.

Q:  What type of container should I use to grow vegetables?

A:  Any size container will work but consider if you will be moving the container during the growing season. Pots planted and watered will be quite heavy. Just about any type of container can be used. However, be careful not to use one that has held toxic materials, especially if edible plants are going to be grown. The most important thing to consider is drainage. If there are not existing drainage holes in the container, make multiple holes in the bottom. Use a container insert if you plan to use a decorative container without drainage holes and be sure the insert does not rest in water.

When deciding where in your garden to place your plants, put plants with similar water needs and sun requirements together.  This grouping of plants will make watering more efficient and provide the plants the amount of water they need for best growth and vigor.

Routinely check houseplants for any signs of pest or diseases problems and deal with these immediately. Remove diseased leaves entirely as diseases can spread from these infected sites. Remove all flowers that have finished blooming.

When choosing perennials for your yard, try to choose varieties that are long blooming.  Some of these varieties include aster, penstemon, and echinacea.  Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.

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This page updated:  April 9, 2003