Sunday, March 27, 2016

Advantages Of Xeriscape Sacramento CA

By Rebecca Young


California is the most heavily populated of the 50 United States. Situated on the pacific coast, it has a special feature that all the seven types of ecological system are represented. The seven systems area coniferous forest, deciduous forest, desert, savannah, temperate grassland, tropical rain forest, and tundra. These can be classified into three main classes: freshwater, oceanic, and terrestrial. Because the state can be exposed to long periods of drought, xeriscape Sacramento CA is a gardening technique that can come in handy. The reason there are so many ecological systems is because of the different environments, from the deep desert, to the high Sierra Nevada mountains to the pacific shoreline.

Xeriscaping is based on seven basic principles. The first of these is conservation of water. This involves choosing drought-resistant plants, taking into account areas of sun and shade, and noting the natural drainage patterns of the plot of land involved. Manipulating these last two factors is the very basis of landscaping.

Soil conditioning is another consideration. The right mixture will drain well and still retain water. A high ratio of organic material and keeping the medium well aerated are essential. Keep the amount of lawn to a minimum. Lawns are greedy when it comes to water. The experts at your local nursery will be well-versed on the species of drought-resistant lawn plants that are native to your local area.

The fourth principle is plant selection. Look for plants with leaves that are small, thick, fuzzy, silver-gray, and glossy. Look around at your neighbors' better-looking gardens to discover the best native plants. If you have your heart set on a type of plant that is not endemic to the area, chances are there is a suitably similar native plant you can use instead.

Drought-loving plants come in four categories, succulents, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees, and flowers. Good perennial flowers are lavender, Gaillardia, or Arizona columbine, while suitable annual flowers might include Desert Dragon, Red Plume Blanket, or Santolina. Suggested shrubs include Cinquefoil, Japanese black pine, or Snowberry. White Poplar is an example of a suitably drought-resistant tree, as are Common Olive and Acacia.

As for succulents, there are literally dozens of these that are suitable for dry conditions. These include Aloe vera, Aloe aristata, or Sempervivum. Ornamental grasses, which may have a clumping or a running growth habit, are both drought-resistant and low maintenance. Some suit the cold season, while others like the hot weather. Aim for a mixture of both.

The next principle can be expressed in three words: mulch, mulch, mulch. This is a layer of material that is applied on the surface of the soil. Not only does mulch conserve water, it also improves the overall health and fertility of the soil and reduces the growth of weeds.

Finally, there is irrigation. Look for drip-irrigation systems or soaker hoses. These can be arranged to deliver water straight to the base area of the plants close to the roots, which discourages evaporative loss. Also, water deeply and you won't have to water as often.




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