Xeriscape Landscaping Cheaper Than Lawns, More Drought-Resistant

When Australian landscaping enthusiasts get together to discuss landscaping trends for the new millennium, the word drought is on their lips with an alarming frequency. A relatively new concept for the mainstream is also cropping up more and more, as a solution to drought and the economic costs it brings: the use of xeriscaping plants, in lieu of lawns. It may be time to look into the cheaper landscape alternative represented by xeriscaping plants.

Pronounced as if it began with the letter z, the use of "xeriscaping" originated with the Denver Colorado Water Department in 1981. A compound of the Greek xeros, dry, and "-scape," as in landscape, "xeriscape" landscaping essentially refers to a creating a landscape design that has been carefully tailored to withstand drought conditions.

Xeriscape landscaping can take many forms.

For some landscapers, xeriscape landscaping simply means grouping plants with similar watering requirements together on the landscape. This makes for more efficient watering. In my opinion, this policy is more a manifestation of common sense than of true xeriscape landscaping. There is a theme that runs through landscapes that can more properly be pointed to as examples of xeriscape landscaping. That theme is a challenge to the hegemony of lawn grass. And herein lies the inevitable resistance to the use of xeriscaping plants.

Australia's love affair with the lawn is well documented. The assumption that a landscape will have lots of grass and that it will stay green all growing season is as firmly rooted in the Australian  psyche as the assumption that a house will have windows. A major premise of xeriscape landscaping, by contrast, is that turf grass is problematic, because it is a water-guzzler. Not that all xeriscapers totally eliminate lawns, mind you. Some simply switch to types of lawn grass that demand less water (possibly making aesthetic concessions in the switch). Others cut back on the expanse and expense of lawn, relegating the lawn area to an accent on the landscape rather than maintaining the lawn in its position as the dominant element.

Then what, you may ask, fills the void in xeriscape landscaping left by the receding lawn? To some degree, the answer to that will depend on your location. In the North of South Australia cacti and extended patios may dominate, perhaps entirely eliminating grass if the lawn area is small. An extended patio is simply an enlarged patio that takes up space where lawn grass would otherwise be planted. In regions not quite as desperate for water, the answer may lie in ground covers, shrubs, mulches and a reduced lawn area.

But almost regardless of where you live in South Australia, you should start considering cheaper alternatives to lawns. While many are aware of the danger posed by drought, relatively few seem willing to make concessions to it and look for drought-resistant alternatives to lawn grasses. Many homeowners simply watch helplessly as their lawns die sooner and sooner each summer. Else they pay dearly for the water required to prolong the lawn's life, as water becomes more and more expensive. Water restrictions of increasing severity are a fact with which we may have to live for the foreseeable future.

Rather than bemoaning the loss of lawn space, think of the present predicament as an opportunity to experiment. In addition to extended patio areas, walkways and other hardscape elements, a myriad of interesting xeriscaping plants and themes can be incorporated into a xeriscape landscaping plan. Just to name a few:

• Succulents
  • Echeveria ("hens and chickens")
  • Aloe
  • Sedum
• Rock garden plantings
• Wildflowers native to your area
• Ground Covers:
  • Viola Hederacea
  • Dichondra Repens
  • Thyme, Lawn Camomile
  • Myoporum Parvifolium
  • Cerastium Tomentosum

Synthetic Lawns

With the water restrictions in full swing and looking to increase this summer, people are looking into ways to have a great looking garden and save water. And, because most people cant seem to function without some sort of lawn in their garden, synthetic lawn seems to be the wise alternative. Synthetic lawn comes in many different qualities, so be sure to get one that will suit your needs the best. We use and recommend Xtreme Turf because of its extremely high quality and realistic look. It is a sports quality rated product, and will last for a lifetime. Check out their website here. The great thing about synthetic lawn is that it gives the look of real lawn all year round, in sun or shade. It never needs watering, mowing, fertilising, weeding, etc. Extremely little maintenance is required to keep it looking like new, and the savings on maintenance and water costs allows the lawn to pay for itself very quickly.

Synthetic lawn would be very handy for those difficult shady areas, or in a new garden that has lots of new trees planted - the lawn wont run into shading problems as the trees grow - keeping its green, lush appearance all year for many, many years. I have had such a problem in my own backyard, being a lover of trees, I planted lots, and now my beautifully established Santa Ana lawn is being shaded out, and I have to look to alternatives.

Synthetic lawn is also fantastic around kids play areas - around the swings, cubby house, etc - as it is extremely hard wearing, and wont die off in patches like some real lawns will. Plus, you never need to water it, or mow it (nothing worse than trying to get the mower under all that play equipment), and it will look awesome all year round. Plus, the kids wont bring dirty shoes and lawn clippings into the house after a day of play, which means less cleaning for you.

Living Landscapes : Be the envy of your friends and neighbours with a complete garden system from Devic Realms.    Add interest and excitement for many years to come.    Add adventure for the kids to enjoy.    Create your own little piece of paradise today.

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Last modified: 12/10/07