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Defining
Xeriscaping
During
the 1980's our perceptions about the convenience, use, and value
of water began to change. This was due to drought as well as the
adverse impact on the environment of dams and deep wells. It was
recognized that over 50 percent of the water consumed by the
average household is used for landscaping.
We
can reduce both water consumption and contamination by altering
the landscape so that its water requirements are met largely by
natural precipitation. The term "xeriscape" is used to
describe this approach. It means "water conservation through
creative landscaping." It is a registered trademark of the
National Xeriscape Council, Inc. of Austin, Texas, a non-profit
organization dedicated to water conservation.
The
principles associated with the concept of xeriscape have been long
advocated on the Prairies. They include: appropriate planning and
design, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, practical turf
areas, appropriate plant selection, use of mulches, and
maintenance.
Most
Prairies gardeners have been using some or all of the xeriscape
principles for years, simply because it made common sense to do
so. The word is what's new (except to the Greeks). The principles
and practices are not.
The benefits of xeriscape are many. Reduced water
consumption is environmentally as well as financially friendly.
And, like it or not, in the future, the water supply we now take
for granted simply may not be available. The xeriscape principles
such as design, mulching, and efficient irrigation also reduce
landscape maintenance. The xeriscape principle of appropriate
plant selection has the added benefit of reducing fertilizer and
pesticide use.
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