How To
Creating a Xeriscape landscape isn't a matter of opening a cookbook and following the directions. There are a lot of unique elements that are specific to the location of the site, the site characteristics, the owner's preferences, and a number of other factors. Following the 7 Principles is one what to start.
However, what do you do when you have a question about a specific aspect of Xeriscaping? How do you get more information about how one or more design choices may be interrelated? Where do you go to get specific answers about how to get started?
Note: This page is far from complete. It is intended to represent what can be done in helping others to implement Xeriscape landscapes.
This portion of the site it intended to answer some of those questions or at least point you in the right direction.
Q: What is the best way to accumulate all the information for my plan? How do I make sense of it and design my plan?
It's best to start with a base plan of your existing landscape. The Colorado Springs Utilities web site has an excellent how-to page on creating a base plan titled: Creating a Base Plan for Your Landscape Design.
Q: What is the best way to determine what type of soil I have in different parts of my landscape?
A simple test is pick up a hand full of damp soil and squeeze it in your hand. Sandy soil will tend to break apart while clay soils will tend to cling together. Obviously there are many variations and combinations between these two types.
Q: How do I know what the drainage is like?
You can usually observe surface drainage during watering or during a rain storm. To determine the drainage below the surface begin by digging a test hole four to six inches deep, filling it with water, allowing it to drain, filling it again and measuring the rate at which the water level drops with a ruler placed vertically inside the hole. The drainage rate will be highly variable depending on soil type and moisture content, so the measurement is meaningful only if determined when the soil is completely saturated with water. The drainage rate should be no less than one-quarter inch per hour and should not exceed two inches per hour. Soils with drainage rates outside this range may require soil modification.
Q: How do I lay out my water zones? Are there any guidelines for the proportions?
The size and layout of your water use zones will depend upon the soil conditions in the areas and what you intend to plant. Often this is more of a design consideration in terms of positioning plant materials. There are issues of proportion that will be determined by how aggressively you want to reduce your irrigation requirements. Your first criteria should be your usage requirements. Second, consider your design requirements. Lastly, consider what your irrigation reduction goals are.