Did Someone Say Xeriscaping?

Staying with the theme of 2012 landscaping trends, today we want to talk xeriscaping and xerigardening. 

I suppose an explanation is in order.  Wikipedia gives a great definition.  "Xeriscaping and xerogardening refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.  It is promoted in regions that do not have easily accessible, plentiful, or reliable supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptace in other areas as climate patterns shift." 

Why xeriscape?  There are definite advantages for the eco-conscious gardener.  These advantages include: 

• A xeriscape will lower water consumption, both imported water and ground water
• Xeriscaping increases the amount of water available for domestic and community use
• A good xeriscape plant design, along with proper grading and mulching, makes the best use of rainfall
• During periods of drought and water restrictions, xeriscape plants are more likely to survive
• The amount of time needed for maintenance is greatly decreased

Xeriscaping is based on Seven Principles of Water Conservation:

Planning and Design.  Water conservation needs to be considered in the design phase.  A good plan includes dividing the xeriscape into zones requiring a variety of water needs.  The areas with the highest water use, known as the "oasis" area, are usually the closest to the home and the areas with the most use.  This would include a patio area or front entry area.  Additionally, these are the areas where you use the most color.  Further out, it is best to place what is known as a "transition area" and these areas require less watering and more drought tolerant plantings.  Finally, the plants that require very little maintenance or water, are typically placed the furthest from the home.  This low-water zone is often too difficult to reach with easy irrigation. 

Soil Amendment.  Most plants benefit from compost because it helps the soil retain water, a key element of xeriscaping.  Plants need to fit the soil or the soil needs to be amended to fit the needs of the plants.

Irrigation.  Efficinetly irrigating by hand or sprinkler is ncessary to the xeric garden, especially during the garden's first few years.  This allows plant roots to establish themselves, with a goal to dramatically decrease irrigation needs.

Plant and Zone Selection.  To minimize the time spent watering and to ensure little water waste, select plants with similar needs and place them in similar areas.  Light, soil needs, and water requirements are items to consider.

Mulching.  Mulch does several things for the xeric garden. It keeps plant roots cool.  It prevents soil from forming a crust.  It minimizes water evaporation.  It reduces weed growth.  A good mulch cover is a no-brainer, right?

Turf.  In the xeric landscape, turfgrass is necesssary.  It has a cooling element, it reduces erosion and it adds interest.  Chosse the correct grass for your area.

Maintenance.  Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance.  Your turf will have to be aerated.  You will need to fertilize.  You will need to prune to promote growth and blooming.  And you will still have to weed.  These items will just be minimized with a xeriscape. 

Xeriscape is not a design, it is a concept.  A concept that reduces water consumption and is versatile enough to be incorpated into whatever style of landscaping you favor.  Xeriscaping does not limit color, texture or fragrance.  New plant offering show up regularly, and your personality and preferences can be easily showcased in a xeric garden.

The Garden Bench

There are so many ways to add interest to your landscape, but nothing can bring as much comfort as a garden bench.  Garden benches have provided outdoor pleasure to people for centuries, and while everything else in our environment has changed and grown, the pleasure of a few minutes stolen from the business of your day has not.

Garden benches are great for reflecting with that first cup of coffee in the morning, while reading the news or planning your day.  A comfortable seat in a quiet location, before you begin the day allows you to take in the sights and smells of your garden, as well.  In the evening, a garden bench gives you the opportunity to calm down, take a breath and unwind in the most visually appealing, harmonious location of your entire home, both indoors and out.

A garden bench and a few minutes alone turn your yard into a sanctuary, and that's why selecting the right bench is important.  There are so many choices available, and we want to share a few of our favorites.

Wood Benches

We like teak.  Teak has long been used by boat builders and craftsmen, and is perfect for an outdoor bench.  A high quality teak bench can last a lifetime.  Perfect for the zen garden.

Wrought Iron Benches

We love the look of wrought iron.  It's beautiful and reminiscent of the benches our grandparents had in their yards.  Nostalgia is always a good thing.  Imagine it surrounded by a garden full of hydrangea.

Resin Benches

If you're environmentally friendly, then a resin bench might be the perfect choice.  They are made from recycled plastic which is stronger and more durable than regular plastic.  They are also contoured for seating comfort.  Great for the eco-friendly garden.  

Cast Stone Garden Benches

The most durable of garden benches is the stone garden bench.  It is very heavy and often quite expensive, but it is perfect for very large yards.


The choices are many and varied, each material offering a great selection of styles.  The important thing is that you add a garden bench to your landscape.

Perennial and Bulb Tips for February

As February draws to a close, you want to make sure you start focusing on your perennials and bulbs. One thing you may want to think about is what new perennials you might want to plant in your yard. It's important to understand the growing habits and shapes of perennials before you plant to ensure they occupy the space properly and give the effect you want to achieve.

Perennials typically fall into the following "shape" categories:

• Mats: Perennials such as lamium, bugleweed and plumbago form low carpets suitable for ground covers or the front of the border.
• Mounds: Nicely rounded perennials such as coreopsis and hostas provide a soft look.
• Vase Shapes: When in bloom, plants such as garden phlox and Shasta daisies grow in an inverted triangular shape.
• Flower Sprays with Low Foliage: Perennials such as yarrow, sea thrift and coral bells sprout taller flowers, but low foliage. Height can be reduced when the old flower stems are removed.
• Spikes: Plants such as lupines, salvias, and delphiniums have slim, vertical flowering stems that contrast nicely with the horizontal growers.

Once you've selected your new perennial species, then you may want to focus on the maintenance and planting of some of your perennials and bulbs:

• Check your stored tender bulbs every two weeks. Discard any that may have rotted over the winter. If they appear withered, then mist lightly with water.
• Cut back liriope and ground covers
• Lift and divide perennials carefully
• Fertilize spring bulbs
• Order perennial plants and bulbs now for cut flowers this summer. Good choices are phlox, daisy, dahlia, cosmos, aster, gladiolus and lilly.
• Plant spring flowering perennials now. Alstromeria, bleeding heart, coral bells, campanula, euryops, and dianthus.

The days are getting longer, allowing for more time outside. Evaluate your landscape and start making plans to ensure your yard looks its best ever this spring and summer.

February Clean Up & Maintenance

Yes, we've had a couple of chilly days this past week, but we've moved on and are ready to get those clean up and maintenance items checked off our February lists.

These are the items we feel need to be addressed:

• Avoid using salt on frozen driveways.
• Start up power tools, such as your lawn mower, chainsaw, or weed trimmer.
• Sharpen and oil garden tools.
• Don't forget to water!
• Start seed flats indoors.
• Feed the birds. They will help control insects when the warm weather arrives.
• Create a garden calendar to help keep track of items that need to be completed.
• Till your garden soil and work in amendments.
• Read garden magazines and blogs to find ideas for your spring landscape.
• Repair and paint window boxes, lawn furniture, and other items.

And most importantly, enjoy your outdoor space. Even if the temperatures are cool, bundle up, head outside and take a walk around your yard. You might be surprised to see what's already popping up.

Winter Blooms

Looking for something to add to your winter landscape? Consider planting Winter Variegated Daphne. Daphne Odora or Sweet Daphne is special because it blooms in late February. What's more welcoming than blooms in the winter? A bloom that offers a lovely scent. A bloom that lets you know that spring is about to arrive. With its dark green, glossy leaves with cream-colored edges, and long lasting purplish pink flowers with white throats, Daphne is a perfect choice.

Daphne is ideal for north and east facing beds, against walls and around patio and deck edges, where its scent is enjoyed up close. As a specimen, its variegated leaves are good for lightening shade garden plantings. Try in groups of three at corners and transitions from path to patio. It can even grow in a well-drained container. Daphne is a great accompaniment to go with Azalea, Burgundy Lace Japanese Maple and Astilbe.