|
Desert gardens are known for being low maintenance and ecosystem friendly. With less weeding and less watering required, desert garden design is becoming more and more popular with green architects and designers. Formally known as Xeriscape, this design concept focuses on the use of efficient irrigation systems, mulching, and drought tolerant plants in garden design in an effort to reduce water consumption. The basics of desert garden design are relatively easy. In fact, it simply requires three things: proper plants, proper soil, and proper accessories.
Getting the right type of plants is crucial in desert garden design. The good news is, cacti are not the only drought resistant plants in nature. There are bushes, shrubs, trees, grasses, and even flowering plants that can generally be found in every local supplier around the country. Among the many species of plants that thrive well in desert gardens, the following are deemed to do well in all kinds of climates: Purple Sage, Lamb’s Ear, Fairy Duster, Yarrow Plant, and Pampas Grass.
The next step is getting the proper soil for the plants. Desert or cactus soil has a high pH level by nature. This is present for a reason because the alkaline in the soil makes it impossible for water to be retained therefore preventing the root systems of desert plants from rotting. For one, this does not mean spending a lot of money on ordering desert soil. With simple innovations, any type of soil can be wired into a perfect background for desert garden design. The trick is in the addition of additives to the soil so that it can retain enough water for the plant without rotting it. One answer to this is mulching. This process is, in fact, the only maintenance procedure needed for a desert garden.
Accessories may be minimal but they can make or break the design of a desert garden. Without adding aesthetically pleasing elements, a garden will remain stark and incomplete. Simple outdoor lighting, lanterns, chimes, and stone statues can soften the otherwise severe look of the landscape. Those with a budget can choose to add an outdoor fireplace or a hot tub to spruce up the design and make it more luxurious. These extras can be simple or lavish but having them will harmonize and liven up the whole environment.
Desert gardens are very easy to create and maintain. Desert garden design may be a relatively recent concept but it promises long-term benefits for the environment minus the cost, care, and the effort. For a minimum-effort design, this concept may in ten years be the future of gardening and landscape design.
|
Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about gardening for beginners and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
Didn't really find what you were looking for?
|
|
|
| |
|
|
![[Valid RSS feed]](images/rss.gif "Subscribe to our XML Feed for RSS")
(Read 500+ times)
