Low Water Landscaping in Colorado
Colorado’s diverse topography includes vast plains, desert canyons, desert lands, mesas, and mountain terrain. Historically, the average rainfall has been 17 inches. However, in 2021 the picture was much different. A report by US Drought Monitor in October 2021 indicated that 95% of the state was “abnormally dry or worse, ” with 14% of Colorado experiencing extreme drought, 29% experiencing severe or worse drought, and 45% of the state experiencing drought conditions. As a result of the drought conditions in Colorado, building a drought-resistant garden can be beneficial.
Low Water Landscaping in Colorado
Drought-resistance
A garden or yard that is drought resistant is able to retain moisture and can thrive and endure through long drought periods, without or with very little supplemental water. Here are some ideas on how to create a drought-resistant garden/yard.
Xeric landscaping
The Merriam Dictionary defines Xeric as “characterized by, relating to, or requiring only a small amount of moisture.” A xeriscaped yard includes using cacti and succulents as well as other drought-tolerant plants. This landscape design may use organic and inorganic mulch or sand and rocks of various sizes. Xeric landscaping ideas include aesthetic outdoor spaces that feature walkways and patios.
Xeric plants
Native plants are naturally xeric requiring very little water. They cope well in a variety of soil conditions and attract local pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. A big bonus is that xeric plants are low maintenance. Visit Water-Wise Plants by Colorado Springs Utilities to discover more about your local habitat and for a list of xeric plants.
Rocks
When rocks of different sizes are surrounded by xeric plants or mulch, they suddenly become more interesting. Creating features with big rocks that have unusual features and interesting colors can add a flair to your front yard or backyard landscaping. Arrange a mix of rocks together, perhaps with plants in between, and then use them to create water features. Consider using a combination of both river rocks and boulders.
Drip irrigation
Unlike sprinklers and hoses, drip irrigation systems are 90% efficient. This means that it is good for supplying water directly to plants and contributes to water conservation efforts as there is very little waste through evaporation and runoff. Drip irrigation can be buried or placed on top of the soil.
Rain barrels
Rain barrels are a great way to harvest rain and moisture. They can be placed under gutters and downpipes, surrounded by small rocks and plants, or used to form a water garden feature. In theory, 6 gallons of water can be collected for every inch of rain on one square foot of roofing.
Mulch-scaping
Mulch can be used to cover unused bare areas and make them look more interesting because of the color and texture of mulch. Mulch is also a good way to limit soil erosion in plant beds and helps to keep soil temperatures stable. In addition, organic mulch will add nutrients to the soil as it starts to break down.
Build a rain garden
Build a rain garden in a naturally depressed or sunken area, or at the bottom of a slope. This will harvest rainwater and prevent it from running off. The water will then have an opportunity to seep down into the ground. It is best to plant perennials in rain gardens, as these types of plants have deep roots that the plants use to trap and filter rainwater.
Smaller lawns
Maintaining a lawn in arid climates requires a lot of water. However, you can reduce the size of your lawn by using mulch and rocks. Ground covers are also drought-resistant and low maintenance. Over time they spread out and some have little flowers to make the area attractive.
Cheat
Artificial turf has come a long way and often requires a double-take to check if it is real or not. Turf comes in different styles and lengths making it easy to style your lawn to exact specifications. Not to mention, artificial turf is water-wise and doesn’t require fertilizer or pesticides.
SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado
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