Photo courtesy of threecee at Flickr.com.
We’ve already discussed the virtues of xeriscaping in an arid environment, but the truth is that you don’t have to live in a desert to redesign your yard to conserve both water and money.
Most regions of the United States have a whole suite of native, drought-resistant plants that can save you a fortune on water. This includes not only trees but also drought-resistant bushes, vines, perennials, annuals, grasses, and even herbs.
For an excellent source listing drought-resistant plants native to all parts of the country, check out the Low Water Use Plant Lists at the Water: Use It Wisely website.
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I have a small bed *15′x5′ that I would like to xeriscape. It’s full of weeds right now. Should I use herbicide? Granular or liquid? Is it best to xeriscape in Fall or Spring? How do I come up with a plan for which plants, design, etc. I live in the Dallas area.
Thank you!!
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Have you considered a long handled hoe, or a tiller? That would probably be more effective than some kind of herbicide.
Or, you could use a string trimmer to cut it all down to the ground, and then sheet mulch for a few months until you are ready to plant.
You can learn more about xeriscaping in Dallas at this September 19 event:
http://savedallaswater.com/pdf/engWaterWise.pdf
Or this page: http://savedallaswater.com/waterwise.htm