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Show water Conserving Landscapes Background Water conserving landscaping has evolved into various terms and meanings. The term " xeriscape" apparently originated in Colorado in 1981 during a prolonged drought. The word is derived by merging the Greek word " xeros", which means dry, with " landscape". Over 40 states, including Utah, have some type of xeriscape program. Xeriscape is defined by the California Xeriscape Foundation as: " The conservation of water and other natural resources, through creative, aesthetically pleasing and efficient landscape design and management." Xeriscape must be: Environmentally sound Sustainable over time Beautiful Fiscally feasible Using fewer resources Easy to maintain Seven basic xeriscape principles are: Planning and design Soil analysis/ amendments Appropriate plant selection Practical turf areas Efficient irrigation Use of mulches Appropriate maintenance These principles are not new, but they are wise horticultural precepts that have been encouraged for many years by landscape industry representatives. The key to achieving water conservation in landscapes is in the design and management of the irrigation systems. Terminology The variety of terms and meanings being used make it difficult to promote water conserving landscapes. In recent years, terminology has changed to " water- wise," " water- efficient" or " value landscape engineering" because the word " xeriscape" has a copyright. The public also perceives the term xeriscape as " rock and cactus," and that image is difficult to combat. Because of the increasing importance of water conservation, " water- wise" has become a more popular name in landscaping jargon. The term " efficient landscaping" takes into account results of energy conservation as well as water conservation. Another term, " landscape stewardship," describes desired environmental conscientiousness in our modern society. " Value landscape engineering" is a technique developed by engineers and landscape architects to get the most value in a product or facility to meet the " client's wants," to cover the complexities of landscapes and better break down each component for evaluation and comparison with the whole. " Lazy landscaping" develops the concept that landscapes, like people, can be managed with good techniques and horticultural practices. Besides saving water, the amount of money, effort and time to achieve attractive outdoor environments are greatly reduced with " lazy landscaping." For the general public to become knowledgeable and willing to adopt such |