Water Conservation

Environment

Xeriscape Gardening

Xeriscape Plants Brochure
Xeriscaping is a method of gardening that doesn't sacrifice beauty to conserve water. In fact if a landscape isn't attractive, then it isn't xeriscape. For more information on Xeriscape Landscaping download the Brochure.

Xeriscaping is a low-water using, low maintenance option for creating a beautiful landscape for your yard.

Kamloops normally receives only about 118 mm (4.6 inches) of rain between May 1 and August 31, so some watering is necessary to keep our plants growing. However, much of the watering we do is not necessary due to over-watering and inappropriate planting, and the overuse of high water demanding lawns.

Xeriscape landscapes require less water, less fertilizer, less pruning and less mowing, leaving more time for you to enjoy the garden rather than work in it.

The Seven Principles of Xeriscaping

1. Planning and Design - A successful Xeriscape requires a well thought out plan. Identify the conditions that will influence water use, such as sun and wind exposure, and slopes. Plan to group low water using plants together, group high water using plants together, and water them separately.

2. Soil Improvement - Use soil amendments such as compost, peat moss or manure to improve heavy clay or sandy soils, and to help them retain moisture and nutrients.

3. Appropriate Plant Selection - Low water use plants can withstand periods of dryness and high temperatures with minimal irrigation. There are many attractive and hardy flowers and shrubs to choose from, readily available at most garden centres.

4. Practical Turf Areas - You don't have to remove all of your lawn, but consider removing areas of turf that are impractical or difficult to maintains, such as narrow strips or grass on steep slopes.

5. Efficient Irrigation - Apply the amount of water that is required by a plant, with minimal wastage. If you have an automatically controlled irrigation system, adjust the frequency and duration of watering with the changing seasons (at least monthly).

6. Mulches - Mulches are applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation and to moderate soil temperature. Mulches also help to control weed growth and erosion.

7. Appropriate Maintenance - The amount of maintenance required in a garden is related to the amount of water applied. Over-watering contributes to rapid, weak plant growth, fertilizer leaching, insect and disease problems and weed growth, all of which require maintenance. If water is efficiently applied, and Xeriscape principles are used, less maintenance will be required.

Logo Contact
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
955 Concordia Way
Kamloops, BC V2C 6V3
ph (250) 828 3888
fax (250) 828 3640
email healthylandscapes@kamloops.ca

Note: All correspondence is entered into our system, and will be dealt with in due process. Please allow several working days for a response. Thank you.