|
|
Xeriscaping is a way of landscaping in the desert to reduce
the amount of water that is used. The Sonoran Desert receives only about 7
inches of rain a year, and more than half of the water that is used in cities in
Arizona is used to water gardens and landscapes. (Xeriscape: A New Look
for Arizona Gardens)
Xeriscape landscaping involves looking at various aspects of planting and maintenance
of gardens and yards to reduce water usage. Careful planning and design of
a garden, such as grouping plants together to reduce the amount of irrigation
necessary, as well as considerate planning for turf to reduce the amount water
needed, can reduce the amount of watering needed. The soil quality can
also be improved to increase its absorbancy so that plants can take advantage of
more of the water that is used. Using low water use plants reduces how often the
plants need to be watered. Proper maintenance of plants as well as irrigation
systems will also help to reduce the amount of water used. (Xeriscape Gardens:
Plants for the Desert Southwest)
Incorporatin these strategies as well as teaching students to follow these ideas
when planting gardens will help to reduce the amount of water used in the
desert.
Sources:
Xeriscape: A New Look for Arizona Gardens. Arizona
Municipal Water Users Association, Phoenix, 1998.
Xeriscape Gardens: Plants for the Desert Southwest.
Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, Phoenix, 1994.
|