One myth about xeric design
is that it requires the use of only cactus and rock. Not true! In fact,
there are seven xeric concepts and these concepts can be applied in any
landscape. They are;
1. Plant and design for water
conservation from the start. 2. Create practical turf areas. 3. Use plants
that are appropriate for your area. 4. Consider adding soil improvements
such as compost, manure, etc. 5. Use mulches where possible, such as wood
chips, rock, etc. 6. Irrigate efficiently. 7. Plan for an appropriate
maintenance system for your landscape.
The Xeriscape Plant guide
provides a lot of good information on low-water use plants for dry areas,
which are not only found in the Sonoran Desert but in many other places in
the west as well. The book provide details on companion plants, advantages
and disadvantages of specific plants and even offers photos of specific
plants in different seasons. It is part of a 3-book series,and all three are
worth having if you are interested in specific information on low water
plants, designing a xeric garden and providing the right kind of care.
XERISCAPE PLANT GUIDE