Creating a drought tolerant landscape that is also affordable can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. With the right knowledge and resources, you can design a beautiful garden without breaking the bank. Read on for tips to create an inexpensive, yet water-efficient, outdoor space.
Understanding Drought Resistant Plants
Water conservation is key when landscaping in arid climates. Utilizing plants that are both attractive and resilient to dry conditions is essential for an effective and low maintenance outdoor space. Drought-tolerant shrubs, flowers, and grasses require minimal watering once they become established, allowing homeowners to save time and money on their gardening tasks.
Choosing Groundcovers That Retain Moisture
Ground covers are invaluable components of a drought-resistant landscape because they help retain moisture in the soil while adding aesthetic appeal. Choose groundcover options like creeping phlox, yarrow, thyme or moss that will hold water after rainfall or irrigation cycles. These dense mats of foliage will protect the soil from erosion and reduce weeds as well.
Design Principles for a Low Maintenance Garden
Designing a garden with long-term sustainability in mind is crucial to keeping your expenses down over time. Strategically place plants together according to their needs to minimize supplemental watering. Group trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals in beds near walls or fences to take advantage of reflected heat which helps keep these areas drier.
Healthy Soil Is Essential for Drought Resistance
It may come as no surprise that healthy soil promotes drought resistant plants. Improve existing soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure to increase its water retention capacity. Cover bare soil with mulch to keep roots cool and moist during hot summer days. Regularly aerating soil will help break up hard packed earth and enhance root growth too.
Smart Irrigation Systems for Drought Conditions
When living in a desert environment, smart irrigation systems are essential for efficient water use. A timer set to short intervals will prevent overwatering while making sure your plants get the hydration they need to thrive. Adjust sprinklers throughout the season according to changes in weather and water levels to ensure optimal performance. Also consider utilizing drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses as an alternative to traditional overhead sprinkler heads.
Harvesting Rainwater with Rain Barrels
Collecting rainwater is another great way to preserve precious resources while maintaining a lush outdoor area. Connect several large barrels at strategic locations around your property where runoff occurs naturally from roofs or patios to capture storm water. Use this collected water for irrigating garden beds, planters or any other thirsty vegetation in your yard.
Using Native Species to Naturalize Areas of Your Yard
Adding native species to your landscape not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but also requires less care since they are adapted to local climate conditions. Take advantage of hardy plants that thrive under little to no maintenance with deep root systems to survive harsh droughts. Incorporate trees and shrubs into landscapes for more privacy or creating shaded areas and utilize evergreens as hedges for windbreaks or borders.
Advantages of Xeriscape Practices
Xeriscaping (or xeric landscaping) has been around since the late 1970s and utilizes native plants in creative ways to conserve water. This type of gardening focuses on selecting plant material that is both visually appealing and sustainable in regions where water shortages occur often. One example is combining rocks and gravel paths instead of lawns, or planting succulents that require less attention than grassy areas do.
DIY Projects to Create an Affordable Landscape Design
DIY projects offer many possibilities when trying to complete a budget friendly landscape renovation project. Reuse old bricks or stone pavers for walkways, try building raised vegetable beds out of cedar lumber, construct pergolas from recycled materials, plant herbs and vegetables in containers, line pathways with stepping stones – the list goes on! Plus, don’t forget about decor accents like birdbaths, outdoor sculptures or benches which add interest to any outdoor area.
Conclusion
Incorporating water saving techniques into your landscaping plans doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive if you understand what’s required for a successful garden makeover. Selecting drought tolerant plants and choosing appropriate ground coverings can help maintain moisture levels, while smart irrigation systems and harvesting rainwater are great ways to manage your water usage even further. And finally, investing in native species and considering xeriscaping practices can help create a stunning outdoor oasis that won’t put a strain on your wallet either!
I am an inspired, life-long homesteader with a heart for simple, sustainable living. Growing up surrounded by farmland in the rural Midwest, I developed a deep respect for nature and the rewards of cultivating your own land. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others become homesteaders, too. Through my website therootedhomestead.com, I share my DIY tips, share inspiring stories of other homesteaders, and provide resources for anyone who dreams of growing their own food or living off the land. I hope to open a door to a more joyful, meaningful and purposeful life for all.
