Xeriscaping

Gardening can be a challenge in the desert Southwest unless you know how to make every drop count.

In the desert Southwest, the keys to having a beautiful garden include effective hardscaping, drought-tolerant plants and efficient water-delivery systems to the root systems of plants.

All About

Product Ideas

More Product Ideas

Xeriscaping is about getting the maximum use out of minimal water.

Having a good plan matters most. It's best to focus on the hardscapes, creating a sound structure in the garden; the plants then become like icing on the cake. Stone walls and fountains enhance the design; even coyote fencing lends a lot of texture.

Catmint

Next, choose the right plants — plants that thrive in the hot, dry desert sun. Suggestions include catmint, Jupiter's beard (Centranthus) and 'Moonbeam' coreopsis. They knit together to make a nice tapestry of color.

Raised beds can be used to separate the groupings; they're good for drainage and the plants seem to thrive. Amend the soil with organic material (including compost) because desert soil is typically very poor. Mix in granular fertilizer and till it in a couple of times.

Centranthus

Next comes the water, what little there is. And that's the key with xeriscaping. Get the water to the root of the plants, which means no overhead sprinkling.

One of the most important things to do is to use a drip irrigation system. A main-line tube snakes around the planting areas. You pop in an emitter, then run a tube to each plant. The water goes right to the root zone — under the mulch and completely hidden.

Recycling bath water is another popular method of water conservation, especially during drought conditions. A sump pump and hose will easily transport the water from the tub to the garden.

To keep the water from evaporating, mulching is a must under these dry conditions.