By: Fabiola Grosshan
Submitted: 2010-05-13 02:38:24 | Word Count: 499
Before you start purchasing plants for your garden or yard, you must first consider the plant’s requirements that need to be met. With water being a limited resource in drought stricken areas, one of the best ways to live green is to reduce your dependency on local water municipalities for watering your plants. One way to reduce your water consumption is by carefully selecting plants that will be compatible with local conditions, known as xeriscaping. There are many places, such as a palm tree nursery, that practice xeriscaping on a large scale in an effort to conserve water. Let’s look at the 5 Ws of xeriscaping.
What is Xeriscaping?
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Xeriscaping is the use of drought tolerant plants in your landscaping with the purpose to reduce or completely remove your dependence on supplemental irrigation. Consequently, it will usually result in reducing yard trimmings as well, which can become a great concern in places where dried overgrowth can pose as a wildfire hazard. If you live somewhere with very little rain, like most places in Southern California, you will want to stick with San Diego drought tolerant plants, as they do well with little water.
Who Should Xeriscape?
Although xeriscaping benefits everyone who wishes to reduce their water consumption, it is particularly important for people living in drought-stricken areas to avoid using precious water resources for their gardening and landscaping needs. With the increasing demands and increasing prices for water in areas like Southern California, it not only saves money, but it can also save you time and energy, as these plants are generally very low maintenance.
Where Can I Xeriscape?
Since climates vary, even in seemingly homogenous areas, you still need to consider the conditions of your local area. Soil type, sunlight and temperature are also key factors in selecting a plant that can tolerate local conditions. Consider planting native plants, but keep in mind that there are other exotics that might also make good garden additions.
When is Xeriscaping the Most Important?
Though the benefits are important year-round, more often than not, the benefits of xeriscaping won’t be noticeable until drought season hits. Nevertheless, you still end up saving money year-round by reducing your water usage.
Why Should I Xeriscape?
Aside from looking for a way to cut back on your expenses related to utilities, you might want to consider xeriscaping simply because it is low maintenance. Xeriscaping isn’t limited to penny pinchers or environmentalists; it’s a smart practice for anyone who doesn’t wish to be wasteful.
How Do I Find Out More?
You can find more information from your local San Diego, CA nursery or even from local municipalities or government offices. Your local palm tree nursery might also have some helpful advice and informational resources. Of course, you could also do more research online, or at your local library for more detailed information on specific plants.
