Green Landscaping and Gardening - Xeriscaping

What is xeriscaping? Landscaping with native drought tolerant species in order to reduce the need for water for the landscaping materials. These can also include plantings that are more pest resistant in order to reduce the need for chemicals.

Learn more: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/organics/Xeriscaping/

Anyone care to share xeriscaping tips?

I've been xeriscaping for close to 5 years in Pennsylvania - our zone was 8-9ish. My climate did provide rain, unlike semi-arid SoCal where we are now - but my interest in xeriscaping when I started was to have maintenance free micro climates throughout my yard, aka my flower beds!

I was successful in that the most densely planted zeriscaped beds required very, little maintenance, just only occasional weeding - no watering at all.

My tip to get you started is actually to take a drive. Head out on a road in your area and observe what grows along side the road. This will indicate what can withstand full sun, full winds - all the weather conditions present in your area - and what requires virtually no maintenance.

You may be surprised to learn that what's growing on the side of the road is actually a native flowering plant, not a weed! In my area, these included (in layman's terms) black eyed susans, lambs ears, daisies and day lilies.

Take your observations back home and hop online to source your plants. I can't say enough about <a href="http://www.highcountrygardens.com">High Country Gardens</a> as a xeriscaping resource. I've used them from the start and have been consistently impressed with the quality of their plants, not to mention their voracious research!

If the beauties can survive along the road during drought, chances are good they can survive in your landscape. Every season brings on new treats. Plant identification can be a fun hobby, and it's good exercise. Pick up some wildflower books. Study growth characteristics and determine if it's an invasive species. You likely will not want your landscape overrun by some of your wild finds.

The wildflowers have faded around my cabin, except for a few frazzled golden rods. Iron Weed, Queen Anne's Lace, Butterfly Weed, Wild Geraniums, Wild Ageratum, and other old friends have faded as they passed their prime. I am not disheartened because I am surrounded by many species of evergreen trees and plants. Then, spring will return in all its glory. Thus, if selecting from native species, choose plants that can be enjoyed every season.

that's a good point about invasive species - high country gardens does make note of zones where different varieties may become invasive...

I have yet to find the definitive wildflower book. Most states tend to have taken the Federal list of invasive species and added their own. See this link: http://www.wildflowerinformation.org/InvasiveWildflowers.asp