What is Xeriscaping?

What is Xeriscaping? Well it is a word which is often misunderstood and misspelled as “zero-scape." Some people may believe this term means the plants do not need any watering to survive, but in fact, all plants do need some amount of water. Xeriscaping is a word created by combining the Greek word "xeric" with "scape," to read literally, "dry view." We use the term to define a low-water use landscape, as opposed to a no water use.
A well-designed xeriscape can include a variety of plants which provide seasonal color. Other benefits of using xeriscape plants are, they can attract wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds, requires low maintenance, reduces the amount of turf area and conserve water. This of course will also include the most efficient irrigation layout and proper specified system which your landscape architect will do for your facilities. Not all xeriscape plants are cactus “type” plants. There are a variety of native grasses, shrubs and ground covers which exist. The most attractive landscapes usually reflect the region for which your landscape architect will design for. Landscapes should take advantage of the lands natural features in which they exist.

Xeriscapeing in majority of cases is not costly. Your Landscape designer would likely design such a layout around the perimeter of a facility. So if your district is planning for a new school or your maintenance department is looking to replacing several plants, make sure to ask your landscape designer about xeriscaping.