Hardscaping serves a specific purpose and adds elements of interest and texture to your overall design. Its yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom from mid-summer well into the fall. Xeriscaping on the other hand can be a lush design, but with a dramatically reduced water requirement. Now, this is just the beginning. No xeriscaping project is too big or too small for Big Rock Landscaping. INTRODUCTION Landscape design is both art and organization. Utah is a great region for homeowners to consider using xeriscape. Using drip irrigation, either with a soaker hose or other system, allows you to target your plants. Sometimes referred to as water-conserving landscaping or drought-tolerant landscaping, xeriscape is gaining speed. You may even need to completely remove them. But its beautiful, and grows in zones 8-10. It produces its foliage on long, thick stems. We have nearly 15 years of experience landscaping in our unique northern Utah climate. Some areas may be highly functional, others only for looks. 1.Xeriscaping is a landscape style which requires little to no irrigation which means it still requires some, but will be a more cost effective solution for your pocket book, and a more tolerant solution for those water restricted areas like Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. Gravel Only $5 to $7 a square foot When people think of succulents, they think of plants that are anywhere from a couple inches to a foot. According to Localscapes, the landscaping approach is a series of landscaping patterns and practices that takes into account Utahs unique climate. The practice focuses on using plants that are native to the state of Utah that naturally adjust to the arid climate. Sweet and succulent, squash is a staple food for many, and youll find our helpful guides here to direct you in growing your own! You know what they say; If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Do you like flowers? There are many plants that thrive in hot, dry climates. If you choose a xeriscape design, you will have hardscaping elements that within the landscape. Popular for erosion control, it thrives in zones 6-9. In the world of landscape design, there is a lot of scapes terminology that gets tossed about, but they really each have their own purpose and benefit. Xeriscape comes from the Greek word "xeros," which means dry. Weve also created a. Planning and Design. Whether youre learning to grow them or are simply looking for new options for trellising them, you will find it all in this location! A well-designed xeriscape can not only significantly reduce water consumption, but will also save you money on your water bill. For plants that do well in a Xeriscape landscape designed for Utah, go for grasses like Little Bluestem or Karl Foerester for a bit of color, or try lavender. Dwarf lilyturf, sometimes called fountain plant, is one of the tiniest plants on the list. Heres a couple examples for you to check out! You dont have to make your garden into the Grand Canyon. Switching to xeriscape-friendly ground cover plants can significantly reduce your watering needs. Some local governments will give you rebates for water-saving landscape designs. Alas, it isnt very anise-scented when bruised. We promiseyou wont miss the grass. Let me elaborate a bit on a few of these. A well-designed xeriscape can decrease your water usage anywhere from 50 to 75 percent. But animal care is part and parcel of many homestead adventures. Using xeriscaping in your yard is an excellent solution if you are . Remember to place your thirstier plants closer to your water source. Silvery-green leaves on its 12-14 stems are lightly scented when sun-warmed. It looks like a cloud of cotton candy just grew in the garden! This makes it easier for you to put your beds on a water timer system and automate some of your work. Muhlenbergia capillaris, Pink Muhlygrass. It's easy to fixate on bloom time, color, foliage hue, texture and height to design the perfect garden and . Some local governments will give you rebates for water-saving landscape designs. A flashy centerpiece for your xeriscape garden, itll grow in zones 4-9. In fact, National Geographic also stated that a Novato, California, water department estimated that houses utilizing xeriscape landscaping saved 120 gallons of water a day., Dr. Hopkins explained despite the fact hes definitely a grass guy, he has less grass than anybody in his neighborhood because he realized it does use more water than anything else, so I wanted to reduce it down to just enough for what I need.. In an effort to promote water efficiency, many local governments are offering incentives to move to a more water-conscious landscaping design. the year before. Although xeriscape is lower maintenance than your standard landscape, it is not maintenance-free. Birds love the fruit that forms from the spent blooms. Do not skip this step! Our guides will instruct you in growing your greens and reaping their nutrition-packed bounty! Hardscaping should do the following: Are you creating a walkway, a patio, or a retaining wall? Grown in prairies or along roads, this 2-3 tall plant has needle-like leaves. and last updated 9:23 PM, Apr 21, 2022. There are lots of options for landscaping in Northern Utah. Its usually large gravel or rock-covered areas with minimal plants. Replacing your lawn with a properly designed xeriscape cansave youup to 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each year. Knowledge of native vegetations sun and water needs, cold hardiness, heat tolerance and more will help ensure your design will be successful. Here we discuss all manner of small-seeded fruits but not those that have pits as typical stone fruit does! Zeroscaping refers to a type of gardening or landscaping that uses few or no plants. In case you havent noticed the bounty of billboards pleading with Utahns to save more water, or the increasing patches of yellow grass and never-ending sunshine, Utah and much of the west is indeed in a drought. Save water and money! Whatever you see in the wild will thrive within your xeriscape design. We can help in any step along the way or create execute a comprehensive xeriscape / landscape plan for your property. So too can some grasses. In 2017 we narrowed our services to focus on the heart of our mission and passion - design and education. Were sharing tips for growing all sorts of citrus from the simple to the exotic. Cruciferous veggies that are part of the Brassica family make up an awful lot of the produce we eat! While Hopkins takes pride in his newly xeriscaped parking strip, he does value the small amount of grass his property does have, around his walkways and trampoline. Plants can be used to conserve energy or water, block undesirable views or noise (dense plant material), control erosion on steep slopes (lower growing groundcovers) and attract birds, butterflies and bees. From small palm trees to large coneflowers, theres some tall choices available. Averages 8-12 tall. Weve compiled a list of some of our all-time favorite edible flowers so that you can sample a petal on a salad or turn them into tea! Due to deep root systems, native plants need less external water. We will make sure your project is completed in a timely manner with expert care and craftsmanship. But in the fall, long inflorescences of pinkish-red flowers rise up above the grass. Lets explore the weird, wild, and sometimes simply strange world of spices! Id love to xeriscape my yard. Its flowers form in clusters that can reach 2 in length, and they are reputed to be edible. Anyone can plant trees or shrubs in a row, but that isnt a designed landscape. This Mexico-native plant is extremely drought-tolerant. Its just soil and boulders right now. Beneath the flowers is a swath of green lance-like leaves. Due to its weight and heat retaining properties, gravel is a better choice for hardier plants, trees and shrubs. Do you think of tropical fruit as being an exotic treat? Hopkins explained that one of his favorite desert plants called dianthus, or ice plant, always catches the eyes of people walking by. Youll find most large-pitted fruits in this category! Knowledge of native vegetations sun and water needs, cold hardiness, heat tolerance, and more will help ensure your design will be successful. If your current home landscape needs a facelift, or if youre just starting to create your dream home, consider adding the smart landscaping trend of xeriscape design. : 7 Reasons Your Basil Plants May Be Wilting This Season, : Bacterial Wilt in Tomatoes: Identification and Prevention, : How to Plant, Grow and Care For Feverfew, : 27 Beautiful Plants For Hanging Baskets, : How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent EarlyBlight in Tomatoes, : 15 Different Ways to Attract Pollinators To Your Garden, : 10 Tips For Growing Kale in Pots or Containers, : A Beginners Guide to Growing Roses in Your Garden, 10 Plants You Should Never Include in Your Landscaping, Balloon Flower: Growing The Chinese Bellflower, Snapdragons Care Tips: Growing Snapdragon Flowers, The 50 Best Greenhouse Plants To Grow Each Year, Epic Gardening: Simple, Practical Gardening Tips, 7 Reasons Your Basil Plants May Be Wilting This Season, Bacterial Wilt in Tomatoes: Identification and Prevention, How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent EarlyBlight in Tomatoes, 15 Different Ways to Attract Pollinators To Your Garden, 10 Tips For Growing Kale in Pots or Containers, A Beginners Guide to Growing Roses in Your Garden, Place plants with similar watering needs together, Use a targeted irrigation system to reduce water waste, Mulch around plants to reduce water evaporation, Maintain/prune plants to prevent heavier water needs. If you already have a landscape design that includes sprinklers or irrigation of any kind, there will be additional steps needed to ensure you properly seal off water lines that will no longer be used. This method of low-water or no-water landscaping is used to reduce the need for irrigation. We are going to get into the seven components of a well-planned xeriscape design. And its origins reveal its purpose. Would you consider helping me with a design and Ill keep trying to find installers? Learn how to do it with our in-depth tutorials! While xeriscaping is reduced greenery that requires manual watering, hardscaping is the non-living element within a landscape design. Proudly created with Wix.com. Its usually large gravel or rock-covered areas with minimal plants. Shrubs are also an option. We do too. Our raised bed gardening category shares our tips about raised beds and how best to put them to use for you! We have been in business since 1996 and were one of the first xeriscape landscape companies in Utah. Xeriscaping is a type of landscape design that dramatically decreases the amount of water needed to maintain a beautiful front or back yard landscape. For a truly functional xeriscape, vast knowledge of native plants is key. If you already have a landscape design that includes sprinklers or irrigation of any kind, there will be additional steps needed to ensure you properly seal off water lines that will no longer be used. Jerusalem sage isnt a true sage, but its leaves look like sage! So youve decided to make the plunge into water reduction landscaping? The plants on the list are (1) water-conserving, (2) adapted to Utah's arid climate and cold winters, (3) available in the industry, (4) relatively easy to maintain in the landscape, and (5) have desirable landscape characteristics which remain desirable under . Utahs natural plant life offers a wide range of color, texture, and interest to any xeriscaping design. With the drought conditions, people want to do their part, but demand . It is a great starting point for any water-wise landscaping project. This low-water gardening technique has taken California by storm. The beaked yucca looks like a fuzzy tree from a distance. Equinox flower, sometimes called the red spider lily, is gorgeous. They are built to last in harsh climates and actually thrive with little to no maintenance, soil amendments, or fertilizer. It likes full sun or partial shade, and makes for a wonderful accent plant. But in this case, the leaves are so dark in color theyre nearly black. In North America alone, over 50% of residential water is used on landscapes and lawns. Be functional and aesthetically pleasing, Reach out to Big Rock Landscaping today to discuss your needs, xeriscaping design dreams, and lets get started! Grow in zones 7-11. Discover popular plant propagation techniques here with us! And many of them produce wonderful flowers multiple times during the year. Coming up with the right plan can be the ultimate challenge. A common xeriscape design people think of is large spaces with a rock covering and a large cactus sitting in the sun. 4-8 tall, it has succulent-like leaves that layer in a tight pattern from thick, woody stems. They also help maintain healthy soil by preventing soil erosion and compactiona constant concern in a naturally sloped topography like Utah. The Japanese sacred lily, Rohdea japonica, is a fibrous-rooted plant. Select trees and shrubs for xeric landscapes based on both adaptation to Colorado's climate and the ability to prosper in reduced water situations. Spices add vibrancy not only to life, but to our gardens too! Seeking cucumbers or desperately looking for luffa? However, these two methods are very different. Utah is a great region for homeowners to consider using xeriscape. Zeroscape is a complete reduction in any type of vegetation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here in the Wasatch front, we want to create a landscape that will use the least amount of water but will also serve the homeowner or the users of that property in a way that will be beneficial to them and the environment, Jolley said. The crocodile aloe teeters at the 12-14 range. MEDIUM - LARGE ROCKS, COBBLE OR RIVER ROCKS, PATHWAY MATERIALS Chat & DG Decomposed Granite, ROADBASE & PAVERBASE (SUBGRADE BASE MATERIAL ). For example, if you place a native plant without proper sun exposure, even though its native, it likely wont survive. By continuing to use this site you accept our, Water-Wise Landscaping: Practical Turf Grass Areas, Xeriscape in a Water Challenged Environment, Simple Sprinkler Performance Testing for Washington County. More time spent enjoying your yard and less time maintaining it. If your landscape is looking for a refresh, or youre just starting to create your dream home, consider adding the landscaping trend of xeriscape design. But its compact 6-8 circles of sawtoothed spikes create a beautiful globe-like shape. You'll get ideas for color, dcor, materials, plants and fabric. Often referred to as gaura, this 3-5 foot shrub is a perennial. How about sweet potatoes? Be sure you check with your local government to see if there are permits required for structures, storm runoff adjustments, sidewalk adjustments, etc. According to Hopkins, grassy parking strips are one of Utahs biggest problems when it comes to wasting water. For a large-scale project, it is best to call a professional. People hear the term xeriscape and think no maintenance, I dont have to do anything with it but it definitely still requires maintenance, or else it will turn into a weed patch, Jolley said. That is a huge amount of water that could be used for growing crops and human consumption. Poor water use usually starts out with poor design.. Xeriscaping uses native plants, trees and shrubs, which allows for a design that can survive with what nature provides. Lovely lemons, luscious limes, great grapefruit, tasty tangerines and mighty mandarins and even the freaky finger limes and more! Learn More: Santolina Chamaecyparissus Care. Its common to fill your Pinterest board with xeriscaping ideas and talk yourself into taking on this project on your own. 2. Xeriscaping can be beautiful and it can also be functional, Hopkins said. ResidentialCommercialMunicipalHOAOther, We Specialize In Landscape Design And Install From Xeriscaping To Sod, Utah Landscape and Xeriscape Installations, We specialize in landscape design and install from xeriscaping to sod, Utah's xeriscape & landscape install specialist, Learn about our topsoil delivery & installation, 2022 ROCKS N GRAVEL in Salt Lake City, UT | Website by. Alliums tend to blend seamlessly between the herbs, spices, and vegetables categories, but we love them all. Jun 14, 2022 - Explore John Brown's board "Xeriscape Ideas Utah" on Pinterest. Do you know what this means? With many years of bidding and installing behind us we are skilled in designing landscape projects that meet clients budgets, needs and goals. Keep lawn areas to a minimum as they tend to use more water in the Summer months that other plants. Averaging at about 4 in height, this little grass can be a ground cover or low-lying bed plant. Don't overplan. Depend on our team to make your dreams a reality. Xeriscaping seems like an easy project no lawn, no sprinklers and lots of rock, however, there is an art to xeriscape. Onions and leeks and chives, oh my! Flowers you can eat? , Utah is the 2nd driest state in the nation! Planning your irrigation in zones will make that possible. Xeriscape Design is a woman owned waterwise landscape design firm. Whether you want to just install decorative gravel or have a fancy park strip filled with ground covers and native plants we can get it done. At this step in the process, you should consider the slope of your property, which areas get the most sun, where to store water and compost, and how to store your yard tools. Required fields are marked *. A well-designed xeriscape can decrease your water usage anywhere from 50 to 75 percent. Its topped with thousands of white or pinkish-purple blooms and looks like a giant spoon. There are drought-tolerant flowering plants! Weve also created a Xeriscaping Guide designed just for Utah homes in this YouTube series. You want to make sure that you water enough, but not too much. Ornamental grasses like the purple lovegrass can be used in landscaping very easily. RECEIVE A FREE ESTIMATE! Xeriscape Design is a woman owned waterwise landscape design firm. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for better use of the website! I think for most, its buying off the aesthetic of xeriscape and changing our minds about what weve traditionally had versus what we could have, Jolley said. As plants get larger, their water requirements go up. Youll find a selection of in-depth articles on all things tuber-related here. with water shortages almost constant here in utah, here's a place to talk about this method of gardening that allows us to plan our yards with lower amount of lawns, and more amounts of edibles and. That is. I want to switch to that. Filled with natural hardscaping materials like wood, stone, brick, and rock, these landscapes dont need constant pruning and edging. This simple, yet crucial mistake can impact the overall look of your xeriscape and create more maintenance than necessary. You can have a lush landscape with xeriscape and reduce your water bills, too. The proper choice of plants, shrubs, and trees are essential to a beautiful xeriscape. Grow this in zones 5-9. As water is a precious resource that we need to protect and conserve, considering low water options for your yard is good for you and good for your community. While the spiky plant itself can reach 4 feet, the flower stalk can reach 15! Despite the challenges that come with water-wise landscaping, Jolley remains hopeful for the future of Utah, and more specifically BYU campus. BYU senior Levi Harper, a construction management major, values the water-saving benefits of xeriscaping but has learned it can cost quite a pretty penny. 435.668.6550. We explain in more detail how xeriscaping saves you water and money. But did you know it can be used in xeriscaping, too? You may also consider collecting rainwater. It leads to landscapes that are very hot, readily invaded by weeds, and ugly.. For a truly functional xeriscape, knowledge of native Utah plants is key. Another prairie plant, the tall tickseed can range between 4-8 in height. For example, if you place a native plant without proper sun exposure, even though its native, it likely wont survive. Alternately, you can choose a single-height cacophony of color and texture. Follow our tutorials here. Our in-depth guides explain your options and help you determine the best ones for your needs. Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, Slender Mountain Mint. You might question whether you can get color, texture, and green from a Xeriscape landscape, and we promise you, not only can it be done, weve done it! It thrives in coastal or foothill environments in zones 8-10. To successfully install xeriscape plants, you do need to follow a few basic rules. Sure some desert regions may have a look similar to this, but Xeriscape does not mean empty or no landscaping nor is this design only for harsh deserts. We have the crew, plants and materials to make everything come together to create beautiful outdoor spaces! We explore this world of long, vining plants and how they can be grown to produce edible harvests in your garden! We can help in any step along the way or create Verified 8 days ago Our team includes experts in landscape design, landscape installation, project management, certified arborists, and even a local government liaison who takes the pain and guesswork out of permits and local requirements. I definitely think its going to become more popular in the future as brands work towards more eco-friendly and sustainable practices, Harper said. Naylorscapes proudly serves Weber and Davis Counties in Northern Utah. Most people think its all cacti and succulents, sand, and rock. This type of gardening is trendy in areas with almost no rainfall and ideal for individuals that want a garden with no maintenance. The fuzzy-looking trunk is actually covered with older leaves that have collapsed downward. However, when it comes to Xeriscaping, these are the top five benefits you can enjoy. The flowers turn to small, scarlet-red fruit in fall. Beautiful green oval leaves attach to long, trailing stems. This plant averages 18 in height, and grows in zones 6-10. In winter it loses most of its leaves. The name comes from the single flower stalk that it puts up each year. Santolina chamaecyparissus, Lavender Cotton. Lobelia laxiflora, Mexican Cardinal Flower. Rock N Gravel is Utah's xeriscape and landscape installation specialist. Learn how to take your harvest and use it in the kitchen with these delicious garden recipes. You may not even see gravel coverage, but if you do, it wont be the focus of the xeriscape design. Allegheny spurge is a common ground cover plant. What we try to do In Utah with Xeriscaping is an environmentally friendly approach to all phases of gardening: Group plants by their cultural needs, reduce turf areas and plant grasses with lower water requirements and devote some areas of the home landscape to native and adaptable exotics that come from climates similar to our own. Best in zones 8-10. Whatever you see in the wild will thrive within your xeriscape design. of drinkable water that could be used for human consumption if were willing to adjust our landscaping designs. It prefers damp soil but can take slightly-drier conditions once established. Incorporate habitat for birds and other wildlife, and nectar plants for pollinators. Up close, you can see its round, spiky top holds thousands of 2 long slender leaves. Try to mix different growing habits so that there is a variety in the plants shape (whether it grows upright, vertically, or rounded), its leaf structure, and colorful blooms during the season. Theres tons of flower potential to dazzle the senses, too. There are a few principles that are important in xeriscaping. Grown as a perennial, it can reach 5, sometimes even larger. Allen believes localscapes is a much better solution to Utahs drought problem. Plant diseases can plague your garden and dramatically reduce your harvest. Organic materials will help improve drainage while retaining more solar energy than traditional technologies such as irrigation systems do--which means less work maintaining them year-round. The rest of the year, its a beautiful mound of silvery-grey foliage with a slight musky scent. Ground covers, fairy gardens, and more fall into the very short category. Regular maintenance such as cleaning and sealing will also help ensure your hardscaping elements remain in good condition for years to come. Xeriscaping, in my opinion, is a very backwards approach, Allen said. Sea Kale, also known as Crambe Maritima. Saturday 8a-noon, What Type of Project Are You Considering? The term xeriscape comes from the Greek root word xeros, meaning dry. These grow in zones 6-10. When incorporating hardscaping elements into your xeriscape design, its important to consider their purpose. Its flowers bloom from August to October. This means traditional landscaping needs significant irrigation water to stay healthy and beautiful. Because Xeriscape landscaping is naturally drought tolerant and is usually installed with natural materials, the costs to upkeep and install Xeriscaping are minimal when compared to traditional landscaping. Were addressing all of these things here! One of the first things I suggest to people looking to conserve water is xeriscape landscaping, Hopkins said. Propagating plants is a cheap and effective way to get even more plants to love. Because of xeriscapings reduced use of lawn and water, it can sometimes be confused with hardscaping, however, these two methods of landscaping are very different. We know Southern Utah intimately and have been working on landscape designs and installations here for 40 years. Erosion is reduced and weed growth is slowed when a good cover crop is in place. This fact sheet includes a water-wise list of ornamental trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, and ground covers. Blue-green in color, myrtle spurge develops showy yellow bracts in the spring. Eragrostis spectabilis, Purple Lovegrass. Erigeron karvinskianus, Santa Barbara Daisy. Xeriscaping seems like an easy projectno lawn, no sprinklers, lots of rock. Love citrus trees? Plants native to Utah are used to the local climate, so they can survive in your . Gardening images, quotes, videos, and more. While it seems as though Utah may be full of natural water flow because of its snow-capped mountains, its actually considered a desert. We are going to get into the seven components of a well-planned xeriscape design. The gravel, rocks, mulch, fertilizer, and soil add-ins can be difficult to transport. So, what exactly can be done about it? Your email address will not be published. Plan on annual pruning, fertilizing, and deadheading. Do you know how to harvest your garden bounty properly? It can be as lush and green as you want. Bruised leaves can smell unfamiliar, and the flowers are a bit pungent. This mounding perennial can reach 4 tall, and remains evergreen in zones 8-10. Consider black mondo grass. You can order a home soil test for less than $50. Its a must for wildflower gardens where it can sprawl out! Helleborus foetidus, Stinking Hellebore. Tiny greenish-white flowers are densely packed into globe-like flower heads that resemble thistles. Its more closely related to other species. Fantastic! With an average of 8-11 inches of rain annually, this makes Utah an ideal place to try a xeriscaped yard.