Kenya RPCV Jim Knopf writes: "What is Xeriscape gardening?"



Kenya RPCV Jim Knopf writes: "What is Xeriscape gardening?"

WHAT IS XERISCAPE???

Xeriscape is a systematic concept for saving water in landscaped areas. The word Xeriscape is often misspelled or mispronounced. Because the word is unusual, misconceptions may be attached to the concept. Why? The answer may be that Xeriscape represents a departure from the norm. And, perhaps a lack of understanding or knowledge leads to misconceptions. Thousands who have taken the time to become involved with the concept of Xeriscape will attest that information as contained in this web-site will alleviate misconceptions and begin a new beautiful vision of landscaping for the future.

Is there a positive in the negative? Jim Knopf, ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects), of Boulder, Colorado suggests the following considerations (The photos speak for themselves):

Xeriscape is NOT dry only.

Even though dry-only landscaping can be quite spectacularly colorful, and even lush, limited areas of more highly-watered landscape are completely consistent with wise water use. For example, heavily-irrigated athletic field turf makes sense, since it recovers quickly from heavy use.

Xeriscape is NOT just rocks and gravel.

Although dry (xeric) rock gardens can be truly marvelous, there are many wonderful choices other than rock for the xeric portions of Xeriscape designs. Xeric implies no added water. By definition, Xeriscape means some water applied in well-controlled amounts and locations in the landscape.

Xeriscape is NOT necessarily lawn-less landscaping.

Some lawn, even of species that are more highly watered, can be consistent with wise water use. "Less-lawn landscaping", rather than "Lawn-less landscaping" is an appropriate statement.

Xeriscape can mean lawn, too.

Xeriscape is Tulips and Roses! Xeriscape is NOT native plants only.

Although there are vast arrays of wonderful plants indigenous to all regions, non-invasive introduced plants, that are well-adapted to the local regional climate, are wonderful additions to landscaping that uses water frugally. For example, many iris, tulips, and even roses are examples of introduced plants that are well adapted to nonirrigated landscaping in the Rocky Mountain region.

Xeriscape is NOT a boring mono-culture of spiny plants.

On the contrary, well planned Xeriscapes are splendid examples of the beauty and diversity that make neighbors envious.

When this story was posted in May 2005, this was on the front page of PCOL:


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May 7, 2005: This Week's Top Stories "Peace Corps Online" on recess until May 21 7 May Carol Bellamy taking the reins at World Learning 7 May Gopal Khanna appointed White House CFO 7 May Clare Bastable named Conservationist of the Year 7 May Director Gaddi Vasquez visits PCVs in Bulgaria 5 May Abe Pena sets up scholarship fund 5 May Peace Corps closes recruiting sites 4 May Hill pessimistic over Korean nuclear program 4 May Leslie Hawke says PC should split into two organizations 4 May Peace Corps helps students find themselves 3 May Kevin Griffith's Tsunami Assistance Project collects 50k 3 May Tim Wright studied Quechua at UCLA 2 May Doyle not worried about competition 2 May Dodd discusses President's Social Security plan 1 May Randy Mager works in Blue Moon Safaris 1 May PCVs safe in Togo after disputed elections 30 Apr Michael Sells teaches Islamic History and Literature 28 Apr

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May 7, 2005: Special Events "Iowa in Ghana" on exhibit in Waterloo through June 30 "American Taboo" author Phil Weiss in Maryland on June 18 Leland Foerster opens photo exhibition at Cal State RPCV Writers scholarship in Baltimore - deadline June 1 Gary Edwards' music performed in Idaho on May 24 RPCVs: Post your stories or press releases here for inclusion next week.

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