XerojardinerÃa comes from combining the Greek word that means dry "Xeri," with the word ?gardening?
Although the concept was originally intended for communities that often suffer from drought, xerogardening can be applied today to any garden, terrace or urban space project.
This landscaping technique can provide a unique design style or with a particular beauty.
What is xerogardening?
The purpose of xerogardening is to reduce water consumption and maintenance.
This is achieved by transforming the landscape with native plants instead of using non-endemic varieties.
Non-endemic varieties probably need constant attention and watering to survive.
It's one thing to say xerogardening and not patch things up that work temporarily.
It can be hard to resign yourself to not having a luxury lawn, but the less grass you have.
At least, the positive news is that the mowing that must be done often disappears.
In the same way, it limits the amount of water being irrigated that will be noticed in the water bill.
Ornamental vegetation in xerogardening must be able to survive some of the most difficult drought conditions in each region.
The best plants for this type of design should be the endemic ones that grow and are seen in the environment.
Water consumption can be further reduced by grouping together plants or irrigation with similar specific needs.
How to use endemic plants in xeriscape?
When endemic plants are used, in most cases the need for fertilizers and pesticides can be reduced or eliminated.
This type of landscaping technique aims to leave aside the use of chemicals to maintain green areas, since nature itself should be responsible for managing the environment.
This is the theory of this technique, however, there are a number of variables that can put this type of garden at risk, such as
invasive species from neighbors.
chemical and toxic products used in adjacent or nearby properties.
plagues that roam the big cities from one side to the other.
climate change.
bad practices of this technique.
Aloe and Cactus Plants
There is confusion that by using plants such as cactus or aloe, xerogardening is already taking place, this is the biggest mistake we are seeing in some proposals by the network.
Plant a cactus or aloe in arid areas but with freezing temperatures not in accordance with the environment where this plant grows.
The cactus will die if it is not protected against the frost. By having to protect it, the garden stops being Xero.
For this simple reason, xerogardening would no longer be such by requiring constant human intervention in the natural development of a plant.
With proper planning and execution, a drought-tolerant garden can also increase the value of your property.
In most cases, the increase in value of the property will be greater than what you spend on the initial project.
What should I consider when planning my xerogardening?
Xerogardening requires a little planning.
It is essential to recognize which are the plants that have the best resistance in the area where you live, this will be the guide to make the correct selection of the ornamental vegetation that will make up our garden, and, that will easily flower with total naturalness.
Although the design is relatively the easy part, when it comes to the initial work of a xerogarden, this can become an intense and tiring task, even more so if you choose to use elements such as stones and rocks.
Building a fully drought-resistant garden may also require patience.
Often, it can take up to five years to see one or a set of plants thrive.
Appropriate irrigation for xeriscape.
One of the highest costs of xerogardening can be a watering systemAfter all, plants need a little water.
Drip irrigation is the best solution because it slowly waters the water in the area where the plant actually needs it, and, optimally moistens the soil, making the plants grow with a strong root system.
Poorly selected spray heads or hoses waste a lot of water, which can cause vegetation to "drown" in some places and be well watered in others by evaporation, leading to higher rather than lower water bills.
In addition, the use of a hose can carry garbage, bacteria and motor oil as it passes through the drainage system until it finally empties into the ocean. For these reasons, irrigation systems are the way to go.
Recommended plants for xerogardening
Following the line of the wide concept of Xerojardineria, the best advice we can give you in this article is to visit a local greenhouse or contact a professional to work for your location.
This will help you become familiar with endemic plants and local flora, that is the key to xerogardening!
Don't forget to use a good irrigation system, nowadays there is a great variety of materials so if your project is ambitious in size of surface and species to plant, the best thing is to hire an experienced professional who will make the best selection of irrigation and grouping of plants.