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Water Wise Landscaping
Curb appeal is important for any hospitality venue. Part of that curb appeal is the landscaping you create, complete with trees and shrubs, perennial flowers and herbs, grass, ground covers, pathways, and lighting -- location permitting, of course. The problem with most landscaping is that it requires lots of water to thrive and keep its lush look. There's a huge need to reduce the amount of water that goes to keeping the outside of buildings looking inviting. The answer is using plants native to your location, an approach often referred to as xeric or water wise gardening. Xeriscape doesn't mean rock or wood chips, it means using plants that are indigenous to your area (or a climate similar to yours) and don't require (much) extra water to stay healthy and attractive in an integrated plan.
Xeric landscapes can be gorgeous! With just a little thought and planning you can have a great landscape that doesn't require much effort or water to maintain. A well planned xeric landscape does not have to "look the part". Xeriscape is not a style, it is a technique. A xeric landscape can be created in any garden style -- informal to formal -- fitting your property's needs and style.
Landscaping should not only increase curb appeal but also create an oasis of peace for your guests. The use of paths, boulders, shrubs and flowers, trees, and lawn areas -- all with attractive lighting that also increases guest security and safety -- needs to be part of a plan. Create a plan that is attractive to view, useful for relaxation by guests and staff alike, and conserves resources -- water, chemicals, and labor.
The typical residential home uses about half of its water consumption during the growing season on its landscape. A xeric landscape can save 50-70 percent of that outdoor consumption. The exterior water use at a commercial venue will vary greatly from the statistics of home use, but the savings will be consistent; with a xeric landscape, you will experience the same 50-70 percent savings over what is presently spent.
Grass is one of the biggest culprits of gulping our precious water, mostly because it's such an abundant part of the landscape. There are grasses that look great and don't consume huge amounts of extra water that should be used, if turf is part of the landscaping plan. Grass characteristics vary from region to region, so be sure to learn which grasses fit your use and needs. Turf can play an important role in a xeric landscape, contrary to popular belief, but you still need to keep it to a minimum. Some of its roles include providing a transportation corridor, framing for various design features, play areas, and retaining soil and cooling the environment. If you consider your landscape as a series of outdoor rooms, the design of your turf areas should lead people and the eye easily and comfortably through your xeric landscape.
Flowers, herbs, and shrubs create the interest in a xeric landscape through color and texture. Select native plants which are well adapted to your climate and consequently require little additional water beyond what nature provides. You can blend arid- and moisture-loving plants in zones designed to support different water requirements to get different looks for your landscape. The use of water-efficient plants will reduce your water consumption and increase the landscapes beauty and appeal. Trees are also important in the xeric landscape because of the shade they add and the microclimates they create.
Xeric landscapes do require maintenance, as does any landscaping. Mowing any turf, watering, regular weeding, checking the irrigation system for malfunctions and leaks, fertilizing as needed, checking for pests, and pruning are all important steps in keeping your beautiful landscape at its prime. Though you can't ignore the xeriscape and have it continue looking great, the amount of effort and maintenance that goes into preserving a xeric landscape's beauty is much less than regular landscapes.
Have it both ways, beauty and cost savings. Maintain your curb appeal with eye-pleasing garden areas that don't require as much effort to maintain. The reduced effort translates into cost savings ranging from lower water bills to lower maintenance department bills. Additionally your guests and staff alike will enjoy the natural beauty all around them.
Perhaps your landscape or maintenance crew isn't familiar with water wise gardening so would be at a loss as to what to do first in creating or converting your landscaping. They can check with local nurseries and landscape architects for guidance, investigate the state extension office for help, or browse the Internet, starting with the links below. These links are organized by:
Community
Southwest Florida Water Management District
The City of Calgary
City of Lakewood, Colorado
Portland, Oregon
College/University
Georgia Extension Office
Utah State University
Colorado State University
North Carolina State University
Texas A&M University
Virginia Tech Extension Office
Organizations
Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
Landscape Management
American Nursery and Landscaping Association Resources
American Nursery and Landscaping Association Links
Big Island Association of Nurserymen
Dalton Utilities
Water Saving Programs for Hotels in Mexico � in Spanish
Hampton Roads Water Efficiency Team
La Cabana
Designing and planting a xeric landscape is an ECOnomically Sound decision.
Posted by Kit Cassingham
