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If you’re dreaming of a lush green lawn, you might wake up to discover a nightmare. That perfectly manicured lawn is likely to be looking a little sadder this year as the heatwave takes hold.Scorching heat and limited rainfall mean that even the most dedicated gardeners will struggle to keep their lawns immaculate at the moment. Besides, when water is scarce, we need to be cautious about how much we use in our yards.As the effects of climate change take hold, it certainly seems the right time to reconsider how we plant out our yards. Instead of opting for thirsty grasses and flowers in our beds, the sensible option is to adapt to the environment.And this is exactly what gardeners in Colorado are doing. They are turning to xeriscaping, a form of landscaping that favors native plants, which require less water to keep their yards looking lush.What is xeriscaping?
(Image credit: Shuttestock)Xeriscaping was coined by Denver’s Water Department in the 1980s to support drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and soil improvements to create low-maintenance yards. And as Denver is the capital of Colorado’s arid region, it had good reason to instigate this approach.According to Colorado State University, this form of landscaping could lower outdoor water use by 30-50%, while cutting monthly water bills.Xeriscaping is based on seven principles, which essentially refer to ‘dry-scaping’. A method for cultivating a yard that uses as little water as possible while still maintaining a pleasing, eco-friendly aesthetic.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.The 7 principles of xeriscaping
