Xeriscaping: Water Conservation Tips for Southeast Texas

Although Southeast Texas regions around Port Arthur and Groves are not exceptionally dry except in the late winter months, it still makes sense to plant gardens and other landscaping plants that do not need a lot of water to thrive. The practice of planting with water conservation in mind is called xeriscaping.

The simple truth is that Texas sees droughts frequently in the world at large is running out of fresh and clean water. Do you remember a time when you are on watering restrictions for your yard and garden? Have you ever lost plants due to a lack of rainfall? If you plant the correct types of perennials, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees, and set up your landscaping style appropriately for your climate, you do not have to worry about these things as much as you might think.

What Does Xeriscaping Look Like?

A xeriscape plan does not have to look like a rock garden. It does not include only a few small succulents and no bright colors or interesting foliage plants. Unless you are in a desert area in another part of Texas, your xeriscaped garden will look nothing like those dry and desolate places.

Yes, you may very well have paving stones, gravel, or accent rocks in your design. These add interest and filling spaces neatly between plants. The shrubs, perennials, and annuals you choose depend on your home’s location and what native plants grow there easily. Some native, drought-resistant plants that still look great include Cardinal Feather with red spike flowers, poppy mallows with brilliant pink blossoms, golden asters with decorative silver foliage and bright yellow blooms, and the tall purple spires of blue sage.

Besides choosing the best plants, xeriscaping also involves getting rid of a lot of your lawn and conserving as much moisture in the landscape as possible with mulch and shade plants. First of all, grass lawns take a lot of water to maintain their lush green appearance. Secondly, the hot Texas sun speeds up evaporation. Having shade trees, shrubs, or even structures that keep certain gardens out of the sun can help.

Xeriscaping looks like intelligent garden design that does not skimp on color, texture, form, or function. With the amount of different plants that thrive in Vidor or Orange, Texas naturally, you can create almost any look you desire.

Benefits of Garden Water Conservation

When you design with water conservation in mind, you do more than pick drought-tolerant plants. Thick layers of mulch retain moisture in the soil. Drip irrigation lets you not waste any water. Your garden looks better all year round without excessive maintenance, too.

For those homeowners who are interested in the environment large, xeriscape garden designs offer a wealth of benefits in that regard. So much water is wasted every year from inefficient lawn and garden irrigation practices. Have you ever driven by house to see their automatic sprinklers watering the driveway or sidewalk instead of the plants? With proper planning, a xeriscape garden negates all of these problems with ease. You may even save money on your water bills.