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BY MARC HESS
Bursting with the vibrant yellows of Esperanza, the orange/yellow flowers of Texas lantana or the purple/ pink Texas Sage your xeriscapes can be as lush and dramatic as any other garden bed that you could have in your landscape. The image of stark rocks, cacti and thorny succulents pop into many people’s mind when you start talking about xeriscapes but in a climate like San Antonio we have an incredible palette of native plants to choose from. When you start looking into your xeriscape options you are likely to find local flowers in almost every color, size and texture and plenty of plants to replace that grassy area that is soaking up so much of your water. Yes, your new landscape can pay for itself quickly by reducing your monthly water bill, as much as 50 percent.
Xeriscaping isn’t so much a specific gardening technique as it is a unique approach to landscaping that gives thoughtful consideration to the natural water saving context of each space you are working with. You use native and adaptive plants that grow and sustain themselves in low water conditions and tolerate heat, rather than fighting against the natural climate in our part of the state. Central Texas is loaded with spectacular drought tolerant plants, shrubs and trees that are low maintenance and can create stunning landscapes for both sunny and shaded areas. In our part of Texas water saver gardens blend so well with the natural environment we live in at the same time they can give your area the attractive look you are trying to achieve. The xeriscape approach to gardening involves taking elements working in your natural environment and providing structure and organization to it.
With their native plants and low water requirements xeriscapes are, by their very nature, water savers. Your lawn areas, on the other hand, are water guzzlers, requiring regular irrigation throughout the summer as they struggle to stay green. Besides adding visual interest the areas that you convert from lawn to xeriscapes greatly reduces the chore of watering, maintenance and saves you the cost of that water. That is why SAWS (San Antonio Water System) is willing to help reimburse their customers the cost of plants that you buy when you replace a lawn area with a more water efficient area. The program is called the WaterSaver Coupon Program and SAWS customers can apply on-line for coupons that come in $100 increments. You can take the coupons to participating nurseries, like Miberger’s Nursery, and use them to purchase a wide range of approved WaterSaver plants. From vivacious Esperanza plants and the fiery Pride of Barbados to European Olives and the beautiful Anacho Orchid tree you will certainly find the combination of plants that will convert your yard to the eye-catching landscape you have dreamed of. And SAWS will help pay for it. To find out about the requirements and learn more about the WaterSaver Coupon Program contact SAWS Conservation at 210-704- SAVE (7283) or email copnsult@saws.org . SAWS will continue this WaterSaver program through October of this year.
Besides the aesthetic value there are ome more tangible benefit to your xeriscape.
• It will save you water. In most of Central Texas over half of residential water used is applied to landscape and lawns. Xeriscape can reduce landscape water use by 50% or more. That savings in water will also be reflected on your water bill.
• Xeriscapes require less maintenance. Aside from occasional pruning and weeding, maintenance is minimal. Watering requirements are low, and can be met without complex irrigation schedules.
• Reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides. Using plants native to your area eliminates the need for chemical supplements. Native plants usually find sufficient nutrients that are provided by healthy organic soil.
• Improves your property value. A good xeriscape can raise property values which more than offset the cost of installation. You can protect your overall landscaping investment by drought-proofing it.
• Xeriscapes reduce the need to mow that area. The work of mowing and fossil fuel consumption from gas mowers is minimized.
• It will provide your landscape with a beneficial wildlife habitat. The use of native plants, shrubs and trees offer a familiar and varied habitat for local wildlife.
Once you really consider the benefits of xeriscaping, the appeal seems obvious. You can save money on utilities, spend less time and energy on maintenance, make your lawn more beautiful and colorful, and increase your home’s curb appeal – all of that while supporting the environment and local ecosystem. Xeriscaping can save you money while keeping your yard beautiful.
//SA
