Xeriscape Home Page

Colorado has always lead the way in water conservation and sustainable landscaping. The term Xeriscaping was originally coined by Denver Water in 1981, combining xeros, the Greek word for “dry”, and landscaping.  The world's first Xeriscape Demonstration Garden was created at the Denver Botanic Gardens in 1986, and is now called Dryland Mesa.

Xeriscape is simply an approach to water-wise landscaping. It’s about planning and maintaining your landscape for sustainable water use. This sensible approach allows you to conserve water while enjoying an attractive, low maintenance yard.

Xeriscaping is based on seven key principles:

1.    Planning and Design - for water conservation and beauty from the start..

2.    Soil Improvement - Amending your soil with organic material, such as compost or manure, can help retain and release water efficiently.  Native plants need minimal soil amendments.

3.    Efficient Irrigation - with properly designed systems (including hose-end equipment), and by applying the right amount of water at the right time.

4.    Plant Selection and Location - Select plants that will thrive with minimal water and other added resources.  Group plants with similar light and water requirements together, and place them in an area that is a good fit for these requirements

5.    Mulch - Mulch keeps plant roots cool, prevents soil from crusting, minimizes evaporation and reduces weed growth.

6.    Turf Alternatives - Traditional Bluegrass lawns are very thirsty.  Consider reducing turf areas, or plant alternatives such as buffalo grass, blue grama, tall fescue and fine fescue to minimize water use.

7.    Maintenance - Maintenance for a new Xeriscape garden is similar to a traditional landscape, but it will decrease over time as plants become well established.

For more details on the seven Xeriscape principles, visit Denver Water’s Xeriscape webpage.

For more information clicke on a link below:

Xeriscape Landscape Main Page

Photos and Design Ideas

Plant Selection

Sustainable Landscape Tips and Terms

Water Wise Lawns

Xeriscape Workshops and Seminars

Xeriscape Resources