Xeriscaping yard

I am trying to replace almost all of my lawn with xeriscaping (and a playground) - an attractive combination of low-water, native plants. The previous owners made a good start on the project, and I am slowly finishing it.

*Options I considered for this project:

I am trying to figure out the best combination of plants for the site. I think I am going to consult with the city xeriscape expert next spring to get a solid design.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

WEEDS. I laid down thick layers of newspapers and pine mulch to smother the lawn and create a foundation for the front patch of my new xeriscape garden. However, the lawn's cursed bindweed found a way to snake through all the layers of newspaper and peek out. I have pulled out bindweed with a green end on top of my mulch, a root in the grass and at least a foot of white stem snaking through the newspaper in between. ...»

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The front xeriscape area - a blank mulchy slate waiting for a solid spring planting plan.

4 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Anyone have any suggestions for low-maintenance, low water plants that are attractive and a little unusual.

on Oct 10, 2010 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

Do a project search for "raised garden bed", someone named Lauren s just did an amazing garden, she may know...

on Oct 11, 2010 · Like 0
Hoffner Nursery & Landsca... Orlando, FL

Low maintenance comes from choosing very specific varieties of plant material, Viburnum is a great example, Walters Viburnum is used when I want something below 2 1/2 feet tall, Viburnum suspensum is appropriate for a a 2-5 foot hedge and Viburnum odoratissium is great for a hedge for 5 to 25 feet. Many homes I go to will have Odoratissium use for a 3 foot hedge under a window, creating a very high maintenance hedge for the homeowner. In a nut shell variety choice and proper maintenance in ...»
the key to low maintenance. As for water almost all plant material that has used deep root watering practices from the start can survive very well in central Florida with minimum water. my home has many different plants in the landscape and my irrigation is only used when I see water is needed. Feel free to contact me at the nursery or come buy and show you the correct plants for your project. Tom

on May 17, 2011 · Like 0
Sheryl S Quinlan, TX

I'm planting ornamental grasses & native or adapted ground covers & flowers. Mulching heavily and having killed all grasses & weeds with Glyphosate. Hopefully being able to start planting in a week or so after confirming that all the weeds have died. I will rake only enough to get the dead debri off and not to uncover new weed & grass seeds. Low water and no mow slope is my aim. Wish me luck as I do the same for you !!

on Mar 17, 2013 · Like 0

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Xeriscaping yard

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