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Advantages Of Xeriscape Sacramento CA

By Rebecca Young


The most populous state in the United States is California, situated on the west coast and bordering on the Pacific Ocean. California is special in that all seven types of ecosystems are represented here. There are three major classes: freshwater, terrestrial and oceanic. These are further broken down into tropical rain forest, savannah, desert, temperate grassland, deciduous forest, coniferous forest, and tundra. Xeriscape sacramento CA is a type of landscape that reduces the dependence on artificial irrigation. This type of landscape is useful not just in desert areas; California is subject to long periods of extreme drought.

You can think of xeriscaping is involving seven fundamental precepts. The first is water conservation. This involves taking into account the natural drainage patterns, areas of the garden that are exposed to the most sunlight and shade and during what hours, and selecting plants that thrive in the absence of abundant amounts of water.

The second principle of xeriscaping is soil conditioning. Get the mixture of compost correct and you will have soil that drains well and yet retains moisture at the same time. Increasing the ratio of organic material in the compost and keeping it well aerated are the keys to achieving this. Principle number three is creating limited turf areas. Lawns are thirsty. Your local garden center can advise you on the types of water-saving lawns that suit your area.

The fourth principle is plant selection. Look for plants with leaves that are small, thick, fuzzy, silver-gray, and glossy. Look around at your neighbors' better-looking gardens to discover the best native plants. If you have your heart set on a type of plant that is not endemic to the area, chances are there is a suitably similar native plant you can use instead.

Drought-resistant plants fall into four general classes: Flowers, shrubs and trees, succulents, and ornamental grasses. Flowers are either annual or perennial. Suitable perennial flowers include Gallardia, lavender and Baby's breath; good perennials include Marigold, Zinnias, and Cosmos. For trees, select Common Olive, White Poplar, or Eucalyptus. If you are looking for shrubs, think Heather, Honeysuckle, or California lilac.

The list of hardy succulents is impressive and includes Dudleya brittonii, Sedum adolphii, and Crassula falcata, among others. Another important principle in xeriscaping is to choose plants that are low-maintenance. The ornamental grasses are brilliant for this. Note that there are different growth patterns, clumping or running. Some thrive better during the colder seasons while others are happier during the warmer months of the year. Aim for a selection of both to get good coverage year-round.

The next principle can be expressed in three words: mulch, mulch, mulch. This is a layer of material that is applied on the surface of the soil. Not only does mulch conserve water, it also improves the overall health and fertility of the soil and reduces the growth of weeds.

The final principle of xeriscaping is irrigation. Aim for systems like soaker hoses or drip-irrigation that deliver moisture right to the base of the plants to reduce evaporative loss. Watering deeply means not having to water often.




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