In the western U.S., water is a precious commodity. Many states have gone through immense droughts, lowering water supplies and making water conservation more important than ever before to conserve natural resources. Drought-resistant landscaping is a solution to this issue, reducing water consumption while still adding aesthetic value to a property.
Drought-resistant plants are ones that are able to survive and thrive with little to no water, such as succulents, cacti, and grasses. The key to successful drought-resistant landscaping is the proper selection of plants. To create a beautiful and functional display, choose plants with complementary textures and colors. To promote healthy growth, create mounds of soil or other mixtures to aid in water collection and drainage.
Additionally, adding mulch to the planting area can help to protect the soil from water loss, as well as provide a source of nutrients. Mulch helps to reduce the amount of weeding necessary, and can also provide extra protection during the hottest months of the year. Other techniques, such as using drought-tolerant groundcovers, can also help to reduce the need for frequent watering.
The Benefits of Drought-Resistant Landscaping
In addition to conserving water, drought-resistant landscaping has many other benefits. Drought-tolerant plants require less maintenance once they are established, freeing up time for other activities. These plants also help to reduce the amount of rainfall runoff and can help to keep weeds away, further reducing the time spent on maintenance.
The use of native, drought-resistant plants also helps to support local wildlife, providing valuable food sources and habitats for animals. Incorporating bees, butterflies, and birds to your landscape can provide extra benefits such as natural pest control, fertilization, and pollination.
Adding Color and Texture to Your Landscape
Besides the benefits of drought-tolerant plants, they also provide visual interest to a landscape that would otherwise look drab. Drought-tolerant plants come in many shapes and sizes, from the stringy grasses and vibrant succulents to the small cacti. All of these plants provide much-needed texture and beauty in their own right.
Also, drought-tolerant plants can add color to a landscape. Native, drought-resistant trees, shrubs, and flowers can provide a backdrop of beautiful hues that will help create a colorful, and more importantly, low-maintenance landscape.
For added color, fabrics such as straw or brightly-colored mulch can be used to draw attention to certain parts of the landscape. Likewise, adding stone elements or statues is an easy way to further enhance the look of a drought-resistant landscape.
Essential Considerations for Drought-Resistant Landscaping
- Make sure you choose drought-tolerant plants that are suited to the region.
- Create mounds of soil to help protect plants and aid in water collection.
- Mulch the area to help retain moisture and protect the soil.
- Incorporate groundcovers to fill in open spots and reduce the need for watering.
- Add color and texture with drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, and flowering plants.
- Incorporate decorative elements with stone, fabrics, and mulch.
- Support local wildlife with plants that offer food and habitat.
Create a Sustainable Environment
Water conservation is a concern for many in the arid western U.S. However, with the right planning, a beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance landscape can still be achieved. Drought-resistant landscaping can help to save water, reduce maintenance, and promote a healthy environment, while creating a stunning garden with little effort.