Xeriscaping & Rock Gardens

Xeriscaping is a term coined by Denver Water in 1981, by combining “landscaping” with the Greek word “xeros”, meaning “dry”. The term was developed to refer to the process of landscaping or gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. It is often promoted in dryer climates or regions that do not have reliable access to fresh water. Through water-wise practices, xeriscaping can produce greenspaces that require low amounts of maintenance and irrigation, promote biodiversity, and decrease our carbon footprint.

Advantages to Xeriscaping

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Human activity has been shown to raise the heat index in urban or densely populated areas. Xeriscaping has proven beneficial in lowering daytime and nighttime temperatures in dry regions through the use of shade trees. Additionally, less lawn space requires less maintenance, which reduces emissions from gas-powered mowers.

WATER CONSERVATION: Keeping lawns and traditional gardens green during the hot summer months, especially in dryer climates, can account for anywhere between 50 – 80% of your summer water usage. Conserving water reduces the use of energy needed to filter and pump water to your home. It also keeps more water in our ecosystems, benefiting wetland habitats and the local wildlife. It is an easy way to shrink your carbon footprint and contribute to the conservation of our planet!

SAVING TIME & MONEY: Once Xeriscaping is established, it is a great way for homeowners to save time and money. Less lawn equals less time mowing, weeding, and watering. It also means less money spent on your water bill and lawn equipment maintenance… and who doesn’t want that?

When xeriscaping is done well, it can be both water wise and beautiful. Rock gardens are an excellent example of wonderfully executed xeriscaping! Hiring a landscape designer is one way to ensure your success; but with a little time and research, the DIY approach can be just as effective. There are tons of online resources on the topic with some pretty great visual samples to give you ideas.

Xeriscaping Basics

LAWN ALTERNATIVES: The biggest way to reduce your water usage is to reduce your lawn space. Consider replacing lawn space with decks, paver pathways, rock gardens, or mulched areas with drought tolerant plants.

USE MULCH: Mulch is a huge water saver! Not only does mulch help prevent weed growth, but it also helps to reduce heat and retain the moisture in the topsoil so what little water is used, lasts longer.

EFFECTIVE IRRIGATION: Even the best designed xeriscapes may require a bit of water from time to time, especially if there is an exceptionally long hot weather spell. An irrigation system, such as drip lines along the root systems of your plants, can help your keep watering to a minimum while maintaining a healthy, vibrant landscape.

THE RIGHT PLANTS: When choosing plants for a xeriscape or rock garden, you will want to focus on finding hardy drought tolerant plants. Native species are best but not required. We’ve put together a list of zone 3 hardy plants we know to be drought tolerant once established. Hold on to your garden gloves, it’s long! That is great for options, but might also feel a little overwhelming. To narrow your options, consider these factors:

The Sub-Variety Matters: Some species have several subvarieties, each with its own set of preferences. Some will be drought tolerant, whereas others will not. Be sure to read the labels to make sure the subvariety you have chosen is drought tolerant.

Know Your Soil: Some plants will do better in sandy soils while others will do better in more clay-based soils. Sandier soils have a tendency to dry out faster, whereas clay-based soils will retain water longer. Make sure your plant choices match your soil type.

Include Shade Trees: Shade trees are essential for effectively conserving water. The shade will slow and reduce the amount of water evaporation that takes place under the sun.

Consider Silvery Plants: Silvery plants are particularly well suited for xeriscaping. Their light foliage, usually silvery, gray, or white in colour, actually reflects the sun’s heat. Many also have tiny hairs on the leaves and stems which allows them to respire in hot dry conditions.

Less is Usually More: Unlike an English Garden, Xeriscapes and Rock Gardens are all about maximizing the visual impact with fewer plants. This can be done through smart positioning of plants with bold and interesting colours or textures. It can also be helpful to choose plants that have a spreading growth habit especially drought tolerant shrubs and groundcovers.

PLEASE NOTE: The plants listed below can have many sub-varieties. Some will be more drought tolerant while others may not. Please always read the plant’s label to confirm the variety you have selected is drought tolerant.

ALSO NOTE: Some of the plants listed below are only drought tolerant once established.

DROUGHT TOLERANT TREES

Maple

Acer

Caragana

Caragana

Ash

Fraxinus

Spruce

Picea

Pine

Pinus

Aspen & Poplar

Populus

DROUGHT TOLERANT EVERGREEN SHRUBS

Juniper

Juniperus

Spruce

Picea

Pine

Pinus

DROUGHT TOLERANT SHRUBS

Maple

Acer

Saskatoon

Almelanchier

Barberry

Berberis

Caragana

Caragana

Broom

Cytisus

Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera

Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Wolf Willow, Silverberry

Elaeagnus commutata

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

Honeysuckle

Lonicera

Goji

Lycium barbarum

Mock Orange

Philadelphus

Ninebark

Physocarpus

Potentilla

Potentilla fruticosa

Sumac

Rhus

Currant

Ribes

Gooseberry

Ribes

Josta Berry

Ribes

Rose

Rosa

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Elder

Sambucus

Buffaloberry

Shepherdia

Lilac

Syringa

Cranberry

Vibernum

Nannyberry

Vibernum

Common Snowball

Vibernum

Weigela

Weigela

DROUGHT TOLERANT PERENNIALS

Yarrow

Achillea

Allium

Allium

Coneflower

Echinacea

Globe Thistle

Echinopus

Blanket Flower

Gaillardia artistata

Daylily

Hemerocallis

Hosta

Hosta

Iris

Iris

Lavender

Lavandula

Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum

Liatris

Liatris

Catmint

Nepeta

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia

Salvia

Salvia

Speedwell

Veronica

Peony

Paeonia

Poppy

Pavaver

Russian Sage

Perovskia

DROUGHT TOLERANT GROUND COVERS

Sea Thrift

Armeria

Silver Mound

Artemisia

Silver Brocade

Artemisia

Snow in Summer

Ceratium tomentosum

Geranium

Geranium

Lamium

Lamium

Hens and Chicks

Sempervivum

Lamb’s Ear

Stachys

Thyme

Thymus

Creeping Moss Phlox

Phlox subulata

Soapwort

Saponaria officinalis

Sedum

Sedum

DROUGHT TOLERANT GRASSES

Elijah Blue Fescue

Festuca

Beyond Blue Fescue

Festuca

Blue Oat Grass

Helictotrichon

Avalanche Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis

Eldorado Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis

Bronze Tufted Hair Grass

Deschampsia