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Zoning for Water Efficiency
A desert plant, such as yucca, needs little water and provide little shade or shelter for neighbouring plants, as it has adapted to survive on it’s own, away from other plants competing for moisture. Grouping plants with similar requirements allows them to shelter and protect each other; xeriscape guides refer to this as ‘zoning’.
Zoning is one of the keys to a successful low-water garden. The concept is simple and it works beautifully. Plants with similar water requirements and cultural needs are grouped together, making irrigation or hand watering easier, and enabling soil preparation, mulching and regular maintenance to be handled for the group, rather than for isolated plants scattered around the garden.
When planning zones in your garden, take into account soil, climate, aspect and proximity to water sources. This allows you to take advantage of any microclimates that exist and reduces the need for long runs of garden hoses through the garden.
Normally water thirsty-plants, and any lawn, are placed close to the house where water is available and where the gardener can pop out and take care of watering without a trek to the furthest reaches of the garden. The need for water is more easily seen, as well, and watering can be done on an ‘as needs’ basis.
Further out from this zone is an area for plants with a moderate water requirement, with watering needed only in prolonged dry periods, and perhaps in scorching mid-summer weather. The furthest zone is for the toughest plants that should never need additional water – apart from watering in when they are first planted, and perhaps in the first few months after.
Every garden has some shadier areas, even if only on the south side of the house, and areas that are in full sun for only part of the day. These areas are perfect for a wider range of plants, the soil retaining more moisture and the plants are less thirsty. Many gardens have other microclimates or soil changes that allow a change in planting without adding to the maintenance and watering workload.
The zones are similar to, and complement, maintenance zones where garden areas requiring the most weeding and care are sited close to the house, and those that need only an annual clean-up are placed at the extreme edges of the garden.
In cooler areas, zoning can be complicated by the use of house walls and borders to accommodate half-hardy plants. Many tender plants are from hot dry areas and don’t need additional water, but others are from sub-tropical, moist regions – totally outside the repertoire of the dry climate gardener and perfect candidates for this ‘oasis’ zoning.
Reconsidering Lawns
Lawn is one of the thirstiest parts of the garden, and it looks dejected and awful when baked to a crisp. Consider paving instead of lawn, or minimising the area of lawn to reduce water needs. Where lawns are regularly baked, it is best to pave.
There are so many design alternatives to grass, bringing textural interest and different moods to distinct garden areas. Plus, just think of the time you’ll save without lawn-mowing to do!
Paths of parched, exhausted grass soon develop dreadful ‘worn patches’ with even moderate foot traffic on. Paths of gravel, bark or solid paving eliminate the care and attention grass paths need, and they look far better. Choose a surface that is comfortable to walk on and that is safe in wet or frosty weather.
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Zoning groups plants according to their water needs
Zoning the Garden
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A bright planting in a dry garden uses a shady microclimate
Drought tolerant planting in dry shade at the foot of a wall
Beth Chatto's gravel garden dispenses with lawn
Paths - lots of options other than grass |
