Autumn is a great time to work on planning some xeriscaping into your outdoor design.
The overall goal of a xeriscaped outdoor space is to reduce water use. Xeriscaping also mimics the more resilient, drought-tolerant ecosystem here along the Front Range that is naturally better prepared for our increasing climate emergency weather patterns.
In 1981, Denver Water coined the term xeriscape from the Greek root “xeros” to refer to a dry landscape, to shift away from water-guzzling lawns. A newer trend you may be noticing, though, is a move away from the term “xeriscape.” Both Denver Water and Castle Rock Water now use the term ColoradoScape, while the city of Aurora refers to it as “water-wise landscapes.” Part of this language change is because there are many misunderstandings about xeriscaping, which create barriers to more people choosing this design.
One xeriscaping myth is that it means a landscape of rocks and cacti, according to Diana Denwood, water conservation supervisor with Aurora Water. While that may be a good option for Arizona, it is not required or desired for the Front Range. Rather, the preference is for semi-arid, appropriate design with native and drought-tolerant plant selection.
Something I learned this summer while on a city of Fort Collins xeriscape bicycle tour: A xeriscaped yard can be as full and lush as you want.
To avoid haphazardly throwing down rocks and plastic, take time to come up with a plan. To make projects doable, design and retrofit portions of your yard rather than taking on the whole thing at once, recommends John Murgel, a Colorado State University Extension Horticulture and Natural Resources Specialist in Douglas County. He suggests starting with those oddly shaped areas of your yard or along fences and corners, anywhere that changing the landscape can make your life easier, not harder.
Another way to parcel out your xeriscape plan is to design and implement by irrigation zone, if you have an in-ground irrigation system. That way you can select plants that have similar water needs.
With the cooler weather, it is a lovely time to get outside for some observation and assessment of your space. Murgel said that it is more important to evaluate what you have in your yard, then select plants rather than trying to amend your yard to fit the plants you want.
This is, in part, due to yards and neighborhoods having different microclimates that affect plant selection and water needs. For example, are there areas that feel cooler or hotter than the whole space? Is there already a lot of rock or pavement in an area that heats up more quickly? Is there a low area where water pools after rains? Or low spots where cool air settles? Is there an area more prone to winds or full sun exposure?
Site-exposure considerations include direction and proximity to buildings or pavement. South and west exposures typically experience greater water loss and are prime for low-water-need plant selection. Areas with a significant slope are also prone to water runoff and would benefit from drought-tolerant ground cover. Low-to-the-ground and dense growing options for sunny areas include prairie winecups, ice plants, lamb’s ears and creeping thyme. Taller Sunny options: blue grama grass, sage, sedums, penstemons and yarrow.
Once you know your site and microclimates, put together a landscape design. Sketch out a functional diagram that includes structural elements already there, such as sidewalks, walls or fences. Note drainage patterns and microclimate areas and mark any existing irrigation. Finally, indicate any existing trees or garden beds that are staying.
Then explore the changes you want to make. If you are looking for design inspiration, there is plenty around. PlantSelect’s website offers some free Waterwise designs. Waterwise Yards, an initiative of the Boulder-based nonprofit Resource Central, has a large online database called Inspiration Hub that features real examples of landscape projects and lawn removal. The hub allows you to filter based on your skill level, yard size, sun exposure, time commitment, total cost and location.
If you are seeking to add any larger pieces such as boulders or trees and shrubs, plan for those to go in first. If you are adding in larger trees or shrubs, you will need to also plan on regular watering for the first couple of years, until well established. Trees in your design, though, should be more about reduced watering rather than supplemental. Plan accordingly with your irrigation system.
The Colorado State University Extension Office fact sheet “Xeriscaping: Trees and Shrubs – 7.229,” offers a list of tree and shrub options compatible with xeriscaping. Given the rapid onset of heat extremes due to our current climate crisis, select trees for an even warmer climate than the one we have now.
The fun part comes as you explore and create a list of plants that fit your microclimates. Water-wise, native or drought-tolerant plants are different than other typical plants as they develop deeper roots and store water. These are priorities for a xeriscaped space. It can be wise to have preferred and back-up options as plant availability varies.
Denver Botanic Gardens has a brochure, Easy Plants for the Front Range, with more than 30 perennial plants and shrubs suited for low water and sunny locations that are available at locally owned nurseries. Many of the big box stores do not prioritize native or drought-tolerant or grow plants locally, so get to know your local nursery.
A final word on design and plant selection: Consider the overall balance and aesthetics based on what look you want or what complements your home. Grasses can add texture and mid-height. The hairawn muhly grass gives a nice rosy pink display as a late summer to fall bloomer. Perennial selection can be based on color as well as pollinator needs. Larger rocks are accents rather than the landscape. Mulch can be a mix of pea-sized gravel and organic mulches due to their different abilities to drain and retain water.
While it may not seem like this is a good time of the year to tour demo gardens, it can show you what different plants and styles look like after the blooming season. This can be important if you are in search of a specific aesthetic. It also shows you which plants can provide important nesting and food for pollinators and birds during the cold months. One you will find still in bloom is goldenrod, which makes an excellent late summer and fall bloom for pollinators.
There are many xeriscape demo gardens around, among them: Adams County Master Gardener Xeric Demo garden in Brighton; Aurora’s Water-wise garden; Broomfield Xeriscape Demo garden; Margaret Carpenter Xeriscape Demo garden in Thornton; and others in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.
Overall, switching parts of your outdoor space into a more xeriscaped design can be fun for all skill levels. It is also very rewarding as the native pollinators will benefit greatly.
