We all know here in South Texas it is going to get Hot and we are will experience water restrictions during the summer. Help your landscape investment grow by installing Native and Adaptive plants in your landscape.

Native and adaptive plants thrive the best and are low maintenance. Low maintenance alternatives to traditional landscaping are becoming the norm. In Central/South Texas, with our hot, dry summers, native and adaptive plants require very little water to thrive.

Most people think of Xeriscaping as the use of stone, gravel and boulders, well that's "Zero-Scaping" and totally not necessary.

The word Xeriscape was coined in the 1980's American Southwest, from the Greek word "xeros" for dry. Xeriscape is defined as "quality landscaping that employs native and adaptive plants, conserves water and protects the environment." It is not a style of gardening, but a method of gardening.

Recently, I over heard a neighbor of one of our Xeriscape clients saying, "I've never seen a 'zeroscape' that I liked." What he didn't realize was that almost any landscape he found to his liking could be a Xeriscape. His neighbor simply preferred a more natural style. A very formal landscape, or even an oriental garden, could be a Xeriscape.

Some of the water suppliers in our area are even offering rebates or other incentives to re-hab your existing landscape or install a new Xeriscape...see, it even pays to use native and adaptive plantings.

Call today to have our design team come out and do a site evaluation and learn how to save money and have a great looking landscape.

Xeriscaping employs seven basic principles. By using these principles, you can reduce yard maintenance, use less chemicals and synthetic fertilizer, and spend more time enjoying your yard.

1. Planning and Design. Developing a plan is the first and most important step in a successful Xeriscape. Consider the regional and micro-climatic conditions of the site; existing vegetation and topographical conditions; how you intend to use your landscape; and the zoning or grouping of plants by their water needs.

2. Soil Analysis. Soils will vary from site to site and even within a given site. Be aware of the acid/alkaline state of your soil and what nutrients are lacking. Amending the soils with a good composted top soil is always a great idea since the organic materials in the soil aid in holding water longer. Soil preparation is key to establishing a successful Xeriscape.

3. Appropriate Plant Selection. Your design will determine the overall effect of the landscape. The actual selection of plants should come from those species that are native or adaptive to our area. Deviation from the appropriate selections creates the need for more maintenance, and different watering schedules. Think native and low maintenance.

4. Practical Turf Areas. Lawn grass usually covers more of the landscape than is needed for entertaining or recreation. For a more interesting and manageable landscape, use turf as a fill-in plant, utility and only plan what is necessary for your families needs. Increase the area of decks, patios, porous paving, paths, and mulched planting beds to reduce turf. Be sure to select drought-tolerant grass varieties such as Buffalo grass, Zoyzias and Bermuda grass in the sunny lawn areas.

5. Efficient Irrigation. Water infrequently, but when you do, water deeply. Plants and grasses develop deeper, drought-tolerant roots when forced to find deeper moisture. Frequent, light watering results in shallow roots, leading to water stress during periods of drought. This is where the organic soils play their roll by holding water longer.

6. Use of Mulches. A 3"-4" layer of organic material should cover all exposed soil areas. Replenish it twice a year. Mulch retains moisture, controls soil temperature, discourages weeds, and prevents erosion.

7. Appropriate Maintenance. You can't totally eliminate maintenance, but by following the first six principles, you can reduce time spent on maintaining your yard. After they are established, Xeriscapes require less fertilizer, chemicals, and less water. Your neighbors will admire your landscape and may not even realize it's a Xeriscape!