Category: LANDSCAPE PLANNING

Appropriate maintenance

The objective of Xeriscape maintenance is to discourage water-demanding new growth on plants. In other words, keep plants healthy, but do not encourage growth at all times. Depending on your current level of maintenance, this may require you to fertilize less often with less fertilizer, to prune only when necessary and lightly when essential and, […]

Efficient irrigation

A water-wise landscape requires a minimal amount of supplemental water from irrigation. When irrigation is used, water is applied efficiently and effectively to make every drop count (Wade et al., 2002). Irrigating lawns, gardens, and landscapes can be accomplished either manually or with an automatic irrigation system. Manual watering with a hand-held hose tends to […]

Appropriate plant selection

Appropriate plant selection means selecting plants that not only are compatible with the design but also are well suited to the planting site and local environment. It involves selecting plants according to the soil type and light level of the site. Ideally, the plants you select should be adaptable to local fluctuations in temperature and […]

Practical turf areas

Turfgrass is one of the most versatile and functional plants in the landscape. It provides one of the best recreational surfaces for outdoor activities. From a water management standpoint, turf is recognized as one of the most effective plant covers to reduce runoff and erosion while recharging the ground water, which results in more efficient […]

Soil analysis

A thorough analysis of both the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil is important when developing a water-wise landscape. Since plants with deep roots continue to have access to moisture after surface soil begins to dry out, a primary goal of Xeriscape is to encourage plants to develop deep root systems. In urban areas […]

Planning and design

The first step in planning a water-efficient landscape is the process of the site analysis (Kelly, et al., 1991) One of the most important steps is to plan your landscape design. First assess the topography and determine drainage patterns. Examine your site conditions and pinpoint both shady and sunny areas. Decide whether any of the […]

Xeriscape in Landscape Design

Ayten Ozyavuz1 and Murat Ozyavuz2 1Namik Kemal University 2Namik Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Landscape Architecture, Tekirdag Turkey 1. Introduction The term Xeriscape comes from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry. The concept originated in Denver, Colorado, in the early 1980s. Because of severe drought conditions, Denver had rationed water and prohibited irrigation […]