**2.4 Appropriate plant selection**

Appropriate plant selection means selecting plants that not only are compatible with the design but also are well suited to the planting site and local environment. It involves selecting plants according to the soil type and light level of the site. Ideally, the plants you select should be adaptable to local fluctuations in temperature and soil moisture. Most plants have a place in Xeriscape. It is important to use healthy plants adapted to our area (that is, plants that can take hot, humid weather as well as hot, dry weather), plant them in the right place, and give careful attention to getting them well established (Figure 1). Encouraging the growth of deep roots by preparing the soil and using appropriate irrigation practices is crucial to helping plants establish themselves. Select trees, shrubs and groundcovers that are adapted to your region's soil and climate (Wade et al., 2002).

Fig. 1. Spartium junceum L. (Deep roots) (Ganos Mountains, Tekirdağ, Turkey)

Native plants are not necessarily the most drought tolerant. Even though a plant may be native to the area, it may not adapt to an adverse new environment (microclimate). When forced to grow in a harsh new environment, native plants can become a high-maintenance nightmare. In addition to the adaptability of a plant to the site, other important criteria to consider include (Florida's Water Manegement Districts, 2004; Wade et al., 2002)

#### **Mature size and form (height and width)**

Will the plant remain in scale with the rest of the landscape as it matures, or will it likely overgrow the site and compete with other plants for space, nutrients and water?

*Growth rate (Sun and shade requirements, soil needs, water needs, sat and cold tolerances)*  Slow-growing dwarf shrubs and ground covers used around the base of the home require little routine pruning.

#### *Texture*

Is the leaf texture fine, medium or coarse, and does it combine well with the adjacent plants?

Xeriscape in Landscape Design 359

supply in the soil, mulches prevent fluctuations in soil moisture that can damage roots. Placing a layer of mulch directlyaround shrubs and trees and on flower beds helps to

Reduces maintenance chores; keeps lawn mowers and weed trimmers from damaging

The objective of Xeriscape maintenance is to discourage water-demanding new growth on plants. In other words, keep plants healthy, but do not encourage growth at all times. Depending on your current level of maintenance, this may require you to fertilize less often with less fertilizer, to prune only when necessary and lightly when essential and, of course, to irrigate less. Remember, a Xeriscape-type landscape is a low-maintenance landscape. By working smarter, not harder, in the landscape, you'll save time, energy and water without sacrificing the beauty of the environment. Proper watering, weeding and pruning, mowing, and limited fertilization and pest control will keep your Xeriscape healthy and beautiful. Mow your turf grass high (maximum height of one inch for Bermudagrass and two inches for others) and often and leave the short clippings to decompose and replace nitrogen in the soil. Every time you cut your grass, you weaken the root system to some degree, and the more you cut the top growth, the more you restrict root system development. When you remove more than 40 percent of the top growth, the roots stop growing. By mowing high you encourage the development of a deep root system, which is a key to drought tolerance and weed resistance. Higher grass

Florida's Water Manegement Districts, 2004. Water Efficient Landscaping: PreventingPollution&Using Resources Wisely, EPA Water Resources Center, 15 p. Kelly, J., Haque, Mary., Shuping, D., Zahner, J. 1991. Xeriscape: Landscape Water

Smith, C.R and Larson, R. 2003. Xeriscape Plant Selections and Ideas, North Dakota

Texas Agricultural Extension Service, 2003. Xersicape: Landscape Water Conservaiton, The

United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2002. Water-Efficient Landscaping:

Conservation in the Southeast, Clemson University, 37 p.

Preventing Pollution&:Using Resources Wisely, 15p.,sUSA.

Texas A&M University System, 16p., USA.

conserve water. In fact, mulch

Reduces weed growth

trees and other plants Looks good in the landscape

**2.7 Appropriate maintenance** 

**3. References** 

Helps retain moisture in the soil

 Decomposes slowly, adding nutrients to the soil Provides habitat or cover for beneficial soil organisms Shades soil from the baking sun, reducing the need for water Protects against soil erosion and compaction caused by rain

also shades the soil more, acting as a living mulch.

University, USA.
