Conscientious landscaping
Xeriscapes conserve water, protect environment
By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer
There are two trends going on in landscaping that are
diametrically opposed.
The first happens when people move here from lusher climes
(essentially everywhere else) and build new homes, they have a yen to
recreate their old environment. They want greenery and they want it now.
Sagebrush is one of the most prominent plants in this
region and requires very little maintenance in a xeriscape landscape.
The desire for instant yards, gardens, ponds and the like
strains our already minimal supply of water.
The other trend takes an entirely different approach.
Xeriscape landscaping is a distinctive motif for this region, conserves
water and protects the environment. It’s considered by many the most
exciting and responsible concept to hit the landscape industry in decades.
Seven vital aspects make up the xeriscape philosophy.
· Planning and design: Have a well-thought-out
landscape design, including the locations of existing structures, trees,
shrubs and grass areas. Then consider the landscape budget, appearance,
function, maintenance and water requirements.
· Soil Analysis: Have soil analyzed at the
University of Idaho Extension office in Hailey. For $22 a sample is sent
to Agritest in Twin Falls. Master gardener Joanne Robbins then gives
fertilizer advice based on the results. Sandy or silt loams are probably
the best type of soil to have in the valley, Robbins said.
· Practical turf areas: Turf should be a planned
element, not a free for all. J. R Simplot’s home in Boise is an example
of what not to do---seed, water and mow an entire hill.
· Plant selection: Select trees, shrubs and ground
covers based on their adaptability to our region's soil and climate. The
Valley is Zone 3 - 4.
· Efficient irrigation: When the sprinkler is on,
note where the water falls---avoid run-offs and irrigating driveways and
streets. Never water in the middle of the day. The greatest waste of water
is applying too much too often.
· Use mulches in flower and shrub beds to help keep
soil cool and moist.
· Applied maintenance, which includes pruning,
weeding, properly fertilizing, pest control and irrigation.
This year in particular we will be stretched to the limit
with our water supply. Blaine County has been declared a drought disaster
area, and farmers will only be able to irrigate half the number of days
they would in a normal year.
Appreciating and respecting the mountains and high desert
environs that we live in is part and parcel of creating a beautiful and
integrated landscape.
