Dry Landscaping - Both Attractive And Economical
By Maria Jeffs, Fri Dec 9th
In the hot and dry Southwestern United States, landscaping takeson an entire different significance than in other regions. Aswater is so precious here, conservation is a major concern ofboth home owners and city officials. But desert home ownersdon't have to sacrifice beauty because of the lack of water. Drylandscaping is an excellent way to make a landscape unusual andeye-catching, while using minimum water resources.
Natural rocks and stone are perfect ways to make a home'slandscape blend into the native environment. Rocks bring out thebeauty and diversity of nature. Natural rocks can be obtained inmany different sizes, shapes, and even colors. From black lavarock, to gray granite, to white limestone, your choice won't bean easy one.
One of the wonderful things about enhancing your landscapingwith natural rocks is the fact that real stones are absolutelysolid and will never wither and fade like plants. They willalways stay bright and vibrant. Rock gardens really can bebreathtaking when done the right way.
Drought-resistant plants compliment dry rock landscaping well.The native southwestern plants are generally sun-loving andwater-wise. Careful research will reveal low maintenance and lowwater use plants perfect for this type of landscape. Many of thecactus varieties are good choices, as are juniper, lamb's ear,and other perennial plants that can withstand year after yearwith little water.
Large areas of turf aren't very viable for water conservation inthe southwest. There are
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