Introduction to XERISCAPE water and energy conservation through creative landscaping Yolanda Marruffo City of Corpus Christi Water Department
Step 1: Let s learn to pronounce the word XERISCAPE The word Xeriscape is often misspelled or mispronounced. Because the word is unusual, misconceptions may be attached to the concept. Why? The answer may be that Xeriscape represents a departure from the norm. It is not Zero-scape, X-erscape
Discover the Basics What Is Xeriscape? the word xeri means dry in Latin. the word scape comes from the word landscape. the word Xeriscape was coined by the Denver Water Department during the early 1980 s as a result of extreme drought conditions. Xeriscape is recognized internationally.
You don t want to go there!
Why Xeriscape? Your landscape is an investment in your comfort and in the value of your property. A good Xeriscape will increase your property value by as much as 15%. Xeriscape can also reduce water and maintenance costs by up to 60%. Xeriscape helps extend water supplies. When water use is restricted, inefficient water-thirsty landscapes suffer first. Protect your landscape investment by droughtproofing it.
Why Xeriscape Corpus Christi? South Texas experiences repeated droughts that require us to restrict our water use. In this area of Texas, water restrictions were activated in 1984 1996 1997 2002 2001 2006
XERISCAPE CORPUS CHRISTI A successful landscape can be achieved by following the seven fundamental principles of Xeriscape.
XERISCAPE TEXAS SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF XERISCAPE 1. Planning and Designing 2. Soil Analysis 3. Appropriate Plant Selection 4. Practical Turf Areas 5. Efficient Irrigation 6. Use of Mulches 7. Appropriate Maintenance
Planning and Designing. Tape Measure Grid Paper / Lined Tablet Pencils, Erasers Scale Ruler Straight Edge Template Colors Tracing Paper Survey Ideas Inspiration Time Work
Planning and Designing. Sketch a plan identifying existing conditions at your house to include: Existing plants & trees Driveways Patios Windows Doors Water Hydrants Sewer Power lines Telephone Cable Property lines (a survey helps with this) Easements Existing trees or shrubs that you like, and some you might wish to get rid of! Sunrise Sunset Drainage Poor soil Pets
Planning and Designing. Take advantage of tree shade for energy savings Carefully select the location of trees to save money and add comfort Shade your AC Compressor Shade west exposures
Planning and Designing. The average Corpus Christi home landscape has 3 trees and 11 shrubs lined up against the edge of the house. Add excitement enlarge beds, vary the texture, size, shape, color, etc.
Planning and Designing. Get advice when you need it... nursery, neighbor, friend, County extension service, Botanical Gardens, Xeriscape garden.landscape architect
Planning and Designing.
Soil Analysis and Improvement Organic soil amendments improve water and nutrient availability and relieve compaction. Encourage root development. Healthy roots - good tops!
Soil Analysis and Improvement Do a test of your soil. Soil testing is available for a nominal fee by the Texas Extension Service Improve the soil with amendments to change the physical character of the soil by loosening tight compact clay soil or by creating structure in sandy soil
Soil Analysis and Improvement Follow this general soil recipe for a 100 square foot area. Cover the area, then mix thoroughly to a depth of 10 inches or more. add 4 inches of organic matter (peat moss or compost) add 4 lbs of Ironite (if soil is alkaline) add 25 pounds of composted manure (weed free) if soil has high clay content, add 2 inches of coarse sand if soil has high sand content, add 2 inches of high clay content soil.
Appropriate Plant Selection
PROPER PLANT SELECTION & ZONING Choose appropriate water-conserving plants and group plants with similar watering requirements. i.e.. Plants that require more water might be clustered closer to the house less water farther away.
Appropriate Plant Selection Texas has a wide range of climates and soil conditions. Finding the right plant for the right place takes a little practice.
Appropriate Plant Selection Learn to Read Plant Labels Most plant labels indicate the maximum size that a plant will reach in height and width. Don t overcrowd plants.
Appropriate Plant Selection Give plants room to grow above and below the ground. Place trees in holes that are two to three times the size of original container and at proper depth. Not too deep. Shrubs and ground covers should be planted in prepared beds. Stake trees.
Appropriate Plant Selection Trees A well placed shade tree can lower your roof and wall temperature by 20 degrees or more and save 10% on your electrical bill. St. Augustine grass and many shrubs prefer the protection of light shade.
Appropriate Plant Selection Shade and Ornamental Trees Trees help clean the air by removing poisonous gases and particles such as dust, pollen, carbon dioxide, smog and replenish the oxygen supply Trees act as sound and wind barriers creating a peaceful, private living. Strategically placed, windbreak plantings can reduce home heating costs during winter months.
Appropriate Plant Selection - Trees Vitex or Lavender Tree
Appropriate Plant Selection - Trees
Appropriate Plant Selection Wedelia - Groundcover are a low maintenance alternative to lawn grasses, especially in trouble areas where grass will not grow on slopes are more easily maintained than lawn grasses and provide excellent erosion control add color to the landscape best when planted in a prepared bed
Appropriate Plant Selection - Groundcover
Appropriate Plant Selection - Shrubs Oleander
Appropriate Plant Selection - Shrubs Ornamental Grasses can jazz up any garden Provide natural beauty in a Xeriscape garden Require little water once established Very pest free Very fertilizer free Adapts to different soil types Purple Fountain Grass
Appropriate Plant Selection -Palms Washingtonia Palms
Appropriate Plant Selection -Vines Vines can be useful as sun screens, insulating your house to save on electric bills or cooling a patio Vines add life to stark fences and walls, making them attractive Vines add color to your landscape
Appropriate Plant Selection - Vines
Appropriate Amaryllis Plant Selection - Perennials Mexican Honeysuckle
Appropriate Plant Selection - Colorful Annuals Bluebonnets - spring Calendula - winter Marigold - summer Moss Rose - summer Periwinkle - summer Purslane - summer Snapdragon winter / early spring Replace in the Spring, Summer and Fall
Local Nurseries Support Purple Plant Label Program
Practical Turf Areas - Put turf to practical, efficient use. - Choose low water use grasses. - Lawns are no longer used to measure one s wealth by the size of lawn.
Practical Turf Areas Limit lawn areas to reduce water use and maintenance Enlarge your beds to reduce water use
What makes a turf more drought tolerant? GRASS Buffalo Bermuda Zoysia Tifway 419 St. Augustine ROOT DEPTH 5-7 feet to 5 feet to 5 feet 3-4 feet 8-18 inches
Efficient Irrigation In a perfect world, rain would replace the moisture needed by plants. In a less than perfect world, we irrigate.
Efficient Irrigation Watering Xeriscape landscapes can take 3 different approaches: 1. Survival 2. Efficiency and Conservation - adequate to look good. 3. Waste and over watering
Efficient Irrigation Water efficiency - Conservation is a more responsible way of managing our limited water resources, even when there are no visible signs of water shortage.
Efficient Irrigation RULE 1: DO NOT RELY ON AUTOMATIC TIMERS Operate sprinklers manually Run double cycle for more drought tolerant turf Set controls based on season and adjust to weather conditions Irrigating 7 to 10 days during summer is good enough
Efficient Irrigation RULE 2: KNOW WHEN TO WATER Learn to observe and inspect your plants for signs of water stress 1. Change of color 2. Closing leaf 3. Signs of footprints (tracks)
Efficient Irrigation Once established, Xeriscape gardens can usually survive on natural rainfall and infrequent irrigation. Plants and lawns benefit from deep and infrequent watering. Jerry Baugher
Efficient Irrigation Check soil moisture before watering Use efficient hose-end sprinklers that spray large drops of water Use low angle spray heads Soaker hoses Drip Lines Individual drip emitters
Efficient Irrigation Traditional landscapes may require extra water during hot seasons. Use soaker hoses or drip hoses and emitter tubes for planting beds and narrow turf areas and trees.
Efficient Irrigation Water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Morning is the best! Avoid watering during windy days. Seek professional help from licensed irrigation installers/ designers.
Use of Mulches The function of mulch is to: * retain moisture * reduce weed growth * add organic matter to the plant * improves appearance * cools soil
Use of Mulches Apply 2-3 inches of organic or inorganic mulch around trees and planting beds Stone mulches reflect more heat Utilize filter non-woven garden fabric designed for garden to serve as weed barrier Free mulch is available at City landfill
Appropriate Maintenance Maintenance in Xeriscape landscaping includes five tasks: weeding feeding pruning or mowing pest control watering
Appropriate Maintenance Prune shrubs and trees during late winter or early spring before new growth occurs Mow turf at proper height Don t catch grass clippings Limit the use of herbicides and pesticides
XERISCAPE TEXAS SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF XERISCAPE 1. Planning and Designing 2. Soil Analysis 3. Appropriate Plant Selection 4. Practical Turf Areas 5. Efficient Irrigation 6. Use of Mulches 7. Appropriate Maintenance
Xeriscape Corpus Christi... is a non-profit membership group promoting creative approaches to water conserving landscapes. Interested to participate, join Xeriscape Corpus Christi Steering Committee, call 857-1879
VISIT THE AWARD-WINNING XERISCAPE LEARNING CENTER AND DESIGN GARDEN 1900 N. Chaparral located at the entrance of Museum of Science and History Free public garden is open year around. Walk n Talk Tour scheduled annually.