Drive down any street in Florida on a summertime ’s morning or evening , and you ’ll see the lawn and garden sprinklers meddlesome at oeuvre . Does all that weewee need to be pumped into the ground ? Is it being wasted ; is it used frivolously without a intellection to the water shortage ; and is it even necessary ?
What Is Xeriscaping?
Introducing xeriscaping , a absolutely logical way to conserve water while at the same meter using less free energy , cutting maintenance bill and help oneself to continue Florida ’s cherished weewee reserves , according to theUniversity of Central Florida .
Xeriscape , which means water conservation through creative landscape gardening , initiate in the desert Southwest , where cacti and succulents prevail . But Florida ’s tropical landscape painting is a far call from the desert , so xeriscaping take on a new signification when you ’re attempt to create that plush , plush , posh ideal .
Xeriscaping plans for Florida landscape painting must calculate for the flaxen land , harsh sunshine and drought condition . The plant must be appropriate for the fix .
An initial site analysis is equivalent to creating a pattern for your xeriscape . admit what you have , whether it ’s a incline or a swale . Does the country drain well , and which counseling does the target face ? Also consider the structures already in place and any existing plant .
Move on from there to build up a planting architectural plan that is not only cost - good but effective and long - lasting .
Developing a Planting Plan
for Your Xeriscape
Draw a map that include all the planting area . Do your inquiry to determine which flora you need to acquire , considering the direction of the internet site , the grassy areas , any nerve pathway and edging . Also regard which areas get refinement and which are opened to rough sun .
Keep the intention round-eyed and employ geometric shapes to provide structure to your intention , writesThe University of Florida Extension .
When researching plants , become familiar with the color of their blooms , when they bloom , their maintenance needs , their mature height and the grease term that promote salubrious plant maturation .
Warning
Most plants are not full grown when first purchased . recognise that they will grow and view their ripe superlative when add them to your design .
Understand Florida’s Soil
stab down a few inches into your soil , and you ’ll probably hit water or at least damp sand . Florida ’s urine mesa is in high spirits , which is why basements are rarely constructed in Florida homes .
You ’ll probably need to supplement the landscape ’s soil . Custom design the soil to be conducive to the type of plants you need in specific arena . Mulch , which is vital in maintaining the temperature and wet tier of the ground , is an attractive option to grass .
If you ’re planting vegetable , the regular turnover of the soil create by these types of planting is a supplement in itself . If you ’ve used organic matter in your previous plantings , it should attend to as copious enrichment .
If found aboriginal plants , you may not need to remedy the soil content . Work with the soil , not against it , and do n’t sample to make it what it ’s not .
Choosing Your Plants
work out with a landscape designer or a nurseryman from your local garden centre . They ’ll live which plants are appropriate for your USDA hardiness zone ’s xeriscape .
Know Your USDA Zone and Choose Plants Resistant to Wind, Disease and Insects
Florida ’s long peninsula is home to legion hardiness zones , from the cold - unfearing north of the state to the tropical south of the Florida Keys . Choose Florida - friendly plants that are malarky resistant .
Also compensate care to their ability to defy disease and insects . Select plants from theUF / IFAS Florida - Friendly Plant Listor confer with your county extension office .
Try Out Different Shapes and Colors
The shape of the plant is also a major thoughtfulness . bombastic leaf with interesting human body and colour are double-dyed for the behind of the landscape painting and require much less criminal maintenance than flowers .
Podocarpus ( Podocarpus macrophyllus)can be pruned to a shape that ’s contributory to your landscape innovation , and its purple berry will provide intellectual nourishment for snort and wildlife . It creates a good background for any colorful plantings placed in front of it .
Group Your Plants by Their Needs
Tier your design , giving each plant its sidereal day in the sun , and put all high - care plants together — separated from those that need little maintenance .
Go for quality plants , not buy cellar deals , and stay away from invasives .
Tip
docket irrigation to correspond with the conditions . A rainy summer and ironic winter mean adjustments are need .
Use Grass to an Advantage
Grass is vital to your xeriscape design . It breaks up the intention , giving the eye a rest . Lay the grass where mowing will be easy and the watering schedule corresponds with the plant behind it . Since it requires more alimony than the plants , denigrate grass as much as potential .
Stand back and admire your xeriscape design . You ’ve created an environmentally friendly landscape painting that you will drop more time looking at than you will keep it .
