Water! One of, if not, the biggest concern related to gardening on the Western Slope. Educating yourself on water-wise techniques and efficiency are key. Here are some of the easiest, and my go-to solutions to implement in the garden. It is important to note that Xeriscaping, not XEROscaping, does not mean only rocks and cacti. Xeriscaping uses adapted plant species and is designed to be low-maintenance.
- LIMIT TURF AREAS! Grass guzzles water. If you can’t go without, limit the turf areas around your home to places which are useful for kids and pets. The type of turf used is also important. Bermuda is a good option for drier climates, as it needs far less water than other species. Ground covers make an excellent alternative.
- Let’s talk ground cover. There are many adapted species which will thrive in a dry, nearly water-less landscape. Some of my favorite options are Yarrow, Pussytoes, Ice Plant, many types of Sedum, Snow-in-Summer, and Fringed Sage. Many of these have beautiful blooms throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall. Most of them spread to cover vast areas in just several seasons, alleviating the need for turf!
- Organic matter in the soil. This can also be thought of as mulching. By definition, mulch is any material that provides protection and improves the quality of surface soil. Most of our Colorado soil has around 3% organic matter. The rest of our soil is made up of air, water and minerals. 3% is not much. It is nearly impossible to incorporate “too much” organic matter into the soil. Organic matter is extremely helpful in holding water, and piping it directly to where its needed: the roots. Great examples of organic matter to add to the garden are: peat moss, fine wood chips, grass clippings, straw, pine needles, wood shavings, and well seasoned manure. Anything which decomposes quickly can be used. Leaves in the fall are a great option, which will decompose over winter and be great “food” for your garden in the Spring. The use of organics also prevents run-off in compacted and clayey soils. Regarding mulch, it is imperative to avoid using rocks near the base of plants or as a main type of mulch in garden beds, as it attracts and retains heat, which can stress plants. It is important to keep an eye on mulch; an average of 2-4″ is ideal.
- Native or adapted species. This one seems obvious. I’ll take a minute to make the distinction between “native” and “adapted.” Native, or indigenous species have adapted to a given area during a specific time period. Usually this time period refers to the beginning of record keeping in that area. Adapted species are plants which have been introduced and reliably grow well and are low-maintenance. Using native or adapted species in the garden will result in overall less water use.
- Terracing garden beds and keeping the grade level will help keep water in place. This can be done with retaining walls, rocks, bricks, shrubs, etc. Plants placed on hills have a much harder time holding water than those planted level.
- Plant early! Plants planted in the Spring have a much better chance to thrive and become established than those planted in the middle of Summer. Spring planting allows the plant to mature in mild conditions, and require less water. They should be recovered and the root system established by the time Summer heat arrives.
- Irrigation! Spray heads or using a hose is highly inefficient. The amount of water lost to the wind, evaporation, or held on foliage is all considered waste. Drip irrigation pipes water directly to the soil at the base of plants, sits flush and hidden, and is easily managed and controlled with a simple garden timer.