Xeriscape: Dry Landscaping - Coconino County, Arizona

1. Xeriscape – “Dry Landscaping”
Using locally adapted or “native” plants in the design of outdoor landscaping is the key in xeriscaping. Many
traditional lawn grasses, bedding plants, and shrubs require high inputs of water, fertilizers, herbicides, and
human energy to keep them going. By using plants that are drought-resistant and tolerant of our extreme
temperature fluctuations, we can reduce or eliminate these costly inputs. Native species also improve local
ecosystems by encouraging healthy levels of biodiversity in our many unique environments.
Keys to Designing a Xeriscape
Contour and grade the land to capture rainwater.
Have a soil test done and improve the soil according to its recommendations. Use good quality
compost and other organic amendments to optimize growth while protecting soil, air, and water quality
from toxic chemicals.
Select native or non-invasive plants that are adapted to drought, high solar exposure, and temperature
extremes.
Group plants with similar water needs together.
Implement a rainwater harvesting system and use greywater to supplement natural rainfall.
Where needed (such as vegetable gardens), install an efficient drip-style irrigation system – avoid
sprinklers which lose water to evaporation.
Instead of a traditional turf lawn, use alternative groundcovers such as herbaceous perennials,
ornamental grasses, native wildflowers, and well-adapted shrubs.
Use bark or rock mulches to enhance the look of outdoor spaces as a substitute for a living ground
cover.
Links and Resources:
• Arizona Xeriscape Demonstration sites: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/region/arizona/links-and-
resources/demonstration-gardens/
• Arizona Master Gardener Manual: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/
• The Arboretum at Flagstaff: http://www.thearb.org/
• Flagstaff Xeriscape Council: http://flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=941
• Flagstaff Fabulous Plants list: http://az-flagstaff2.civicplus.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=939
• Flagstaff Native Plant & Seed: http://www.nativeplantandseed.com/
• National Association of Homebuilders Xeriscape info: http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-
Inventory/Sitework/xeriscaping