The Grass is not always Greener

Ilan Baril

Invented in Denver, xeriscaping has decreased homeowners' use of thirsty lawns.

Xeriscaping, a gardening term that brings to mind a barren landscape of desert vistas and little color, is more accurately a combination of seven common-sense gardening principals invented in 1978 by the Denver Water Department. In an effort to change the perception about water conservation, the practice was put in place as suburban development was reaching fever pitch and lawns were growing large and ubiquitous. Wide swaths of green grass aren't meant for the high altitudes of the desert southwest forcing Denver to come up with creative ways to keep the green realistic.

The idea behind xeriscaping isn't to end up with what Liz Gardener "” a conservationist and one of the original promoters of the plan for Denver Water "” jokingly calls "the R and C, or Rocks and Cactus landscape," but to make the view outside your window both beautiful and more natural. According to the city, residents of the Denver metro area use almost 50 percent of their water keeping their lawns alive and green. Xeriscaping was developed to help people kick this over-watering habit, focusing on beautiful, eco-friendly and locally available alternatives to water hungry grasses. Since its inception 30 years ago, xeriscaping has shown dramatic gains in water conservation.

"With the emphasis on all things green and a focus on water efficiency and sustainability," says Gardener, Suburban Conservation Coordinator at Denver Water, "xeriscaping fits nicely into the overall ethos of the movement." Faith and patience in the garden are important to proper xeriscaping. Remember that these projects take time and effort, and these plants "” while drought resistant and tolerant "” do need consistent water during the first year to become established. Along the way, you can add or subtract plants and hardscape to change the makeup of the garden as a whole, while expanding your knowledge and participation in the natural world.

While professionals easily can undertake larger projects, a designer or landscape architect isn't always essential. Experts at Denver Water estimate initial self-installation probably will run between $5 and $10 a square foot for simple modifications, but warn that with rising fuel costs, prices can go much higher. Transforming a yard into a xeriscaped garden is something that can be done over a short period or spread out over time, providing enjoyment, education, savings and water for many years. Having a plan is an important first step.

Here are a few pointers to help kick-start your efforts, but remember, the only limit is your imagination:

Less turf: Play areas for children and pets should be left as part of the overall plan, but with a reduction in size and relegation to less sunny spots, the drain on resources will be less substantial. Keeping a portion of your Kentucky bluegrass can soften the impact while you move away from a traditional lawn.

Drought-resistant grasses: Planting smaller plots of hardier grasses such as buffalo or pampas will decrease evaporation and will require less water, less frequently. These grasses also develop deeper and more efficient root systems that aid in growth and soil retention. High-desert friendly sod can be implemented as a trimmed option or left to grow as a border or "frame" for the yard.

Sensible irrigation: Drip irrigation "” a system in which the water gets to the stems and roots through much closer contact "” is an excellent option as it cuts down on evaporation, but it can be expensive. Spot watering, preferably in the evening, and a timed, focused sprinkler system set for infrequent watering and high efficiency, can work well.

Walkways and decks: Made from recycled, sustainable or man-made materials, tread structures in the garden cover trouble spots or keep wear off the plants. Decks make for interesting raised viewing and entertainment areas, and can be beautiful additions to any home.

Stones and other organic hardscape additions: Used in moderation, hardscape can add wonderful rugged reminders of local nature into a yard and can act as borders that aid in erosion protection or act as benches for a backyard barbecue.

Soil amendments: Soil in Colorado tends to be either sand or clay, neither of which is suitable for a garden. Adding organic mulch provides important nutrients to the soil as they decompose, cuts down on evaporation and contributes to the overall beauty of a garden. Another option is inorganic mulch, which also helps limit evaporation, brings interest to the garden itself and prevents weed growth.

Drought-resistant trees, shrubs and flowering plants: Many native and adapted varieties are available that can fill a garden with diversity and color. Some of the most popular, as suggested by the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service, include Purple Sage and Desert Willow trees, Turkish Speedwell and Greek Yarrow flowering groundcovers, and many Sumac shrub options. These not only add shade and beauty to a garden, but have the potential to reintroduce and shelter beneficial birds and bees. Lauren Springer-Ogden, developer of the "Water Smart Garden" at the Denver Botanic Gardens, suggests planting drought-friendly options close to each other around the garden to provide a natural look in which the plants seem to weave together.

Resources:

"¢ Denver Water, the originator and developer of Xeriscaping has a staff full of conservation experts and landscape architects. xeriscape.org

"¢ Greenprint Denver, a division of The City and County of Denver, has many more convenient tips to xeriscape your lawn. greenprintdenver.org/environment/xeriscape.php

"¢ Colorado State CoOp Extension Service is an outreach arm of CSU dedicated to maximizing growth opportunities in Colorado. coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Xeris/xeris1.htm

"¢ Ask.com has collected a wonderful resource page for home gardeners attempting to redevelop their yards.

"¢ With dozens of articles to guide your xeriscaping quest, about.com is a lanscapers dream.

landscaping.about.com/cs/cheaplandscaping1/a/xeriscaping.htm