Xeriscaping is a low maintenance form of gardening with drought resistant plants. It is low maintenance as you don’t have to go out everyday and tend to your plants and water them. It is also better for environmental conservation as your garden will not require inordinate amounts of water. This is a great solution if you don’t have the time to maintain a lush garden or if you live in a region which does not receive much rainfall. Leave it to the beautiful state of Colorado to have created and really innovated Xeriscaping.

Xeros is Greek for dry and this landscape method was introduced during a period of Colorado drought. The key to maintaining a great looking, low water landscape is to use plants native to the area that require little water. Colorado offers many free Xeriscaping classes as part of its water conservation efforts. Other areas that are subject to drought have followed in Colorado’s footsteps and many now offer classes as well. Attend any local classes you can in order to get advice on the specific plants to use in your area. In case you were worried your options will not be limited to the cactus family.

Although Xeriscaping may sound similar to zero scaping, one does not need to resort to a yard of nothing but rocks to implement it. You can still have a pretty yard when utilizing Xeriscaping methods.

To start Xeriscaping your yard you should first look to plants that are low maintenance, require a low amount of water, and ideally are native to your area. Plant placement is also important. You want to group plants that require about the same amount of water together. You also want to plant in the areas of your yards that are protected from extreme sun or wind.

Xeriscaping is not about depriving yourself and your yard. It is just the opposite, instead of looking to the greener grass on the other side of the fence (or state line)you can use this method to adapt and work with the best natural plants and flowers for your region and just think of all the time you will save as well.