The Seven Principles of Xeriscape

 
1. Planning and Design - Planning is critical to a successful xeriscape garden.  A thoughtful design can allow you to install your landscape in phases, and avoid costly mistakes.  Many people create their own designs with excellent results.  Landscape professionals can be valuable resources, with services ranging from making simple plant suggestions to full scale design and construction.  Also, regional landscape associations can provide useful information to homeowners.
2. Practical Turf -  Nothing is thirstier than turf.  Design lawn areas for practical purposes: play, maintenance access, and light traffic. For some homeowners, a front lawn is unnecessary and can be replaced with trees, mulching, shrubs, boulders, and pathways.
3. Efficient Irrigation -  Recent innovations in irrigation technology enable slow, steady, and specific water application.  When considering and selecting irrigation components for your landscape, look for words such as low gallon application rates.  Consider drip irrigation systems for shrubs and trees; turf is best watered with sprinklers.  Remember, grass is very thirsty, so keep its irrigation system on its own valve.
4. Soil Improvements - Many plants require additional nutrients, better water penetration, and improved water holding capacity than what is offered by local soils.  The addition of organic matter to the soil increases water retention and penetration and also provides beneficial nutrients.  If you are considering California native plants for your landscape, however, it is best to avoid soil amendments.  Most California native plants prefer the soil just as it is, with the additional of mulch as a top dressing.
5. Mulching - Two to three inches of mulch will keep soil cool, reduce evaporation of irrigation water, lessen weed growth, and assist with erosion control.  Mulch can be rock, wood chips, bark, shredded wood, or compost.  The textures and materials used for mulching can also provide interesting texture for your landscaping.
6. Appropriate Plants - There is a place for every plant in a xeriscape garden when located correctly.  It is important to group plants according to their water and sunlight needs.  This is called "hydrozoning."  There are many interesting and colorful low-water use plants now available.  Some nurseries tag their low-water using plants for easier identification.  Take advantage of low-water using plants whenever possible!
7. Sound Maintenance - Regular maintenance preserves the intended beauty of your landscape and saves water too.  Seasonal irrigation adjustments and efficiency checks are maintenance practices that save water.  Don't forget to adjust the time on your irrigation clock to reflect the  seasonal changes in your garden's water requirements. Pruning, weeding, and maintaining a 2-3 inch layer of mulch also contribute to water savings.  By design, a xeriscape garden can reduce maintenance, costs, and time.
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