xeriscaping

Denver Water (Denver, Colorado) coined this word in 1981, the same year that the Macquarie Dictionary was published, but it has taken almost thirty years for it to filter through to us. Over the last five years there has been some enthusiasm for it but now that Gardening Australia and Flower Power are recommending xeriscape plants I think that we can assume it has general currency.

The word is a blend of the Greek word xeros meaning ‘dry’ and landscaping, so landscaping for an arid environment.  That was Denver.  Now it is generalised to mean landscaping with a view to conserving water.  You don’t necessarily have to live in a desert.  Even Sydneysiders, drenched as they are at the moment, know that the time will come when they are conserving every drop, both for the sake of the environment and their hip pocket.

Obviously the choice of plants for your xeriscape depends on your location but the general rule is that, wherever you live, your native plants require less water than introduced ones, and that succulents and Mediterranean plants will also do well.  Settle for gravel instead of lawn.