Everyone agrees that curb appeal is a vital aspect of luxury home design, and the choice of landscaping is a significant aspect of the aesthetic. Determining the ideal plants to include in a luxury Florida landscape involves learning about native plants that can tolerate the climate while providing a striking visual. Those homeowners interested in creating a beautiful yet eco-friendly landscape may find xeriscaping to be an excellent option.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping concept that has been widely utilized in challenging climates for approximately 50 years. It is derived from the Greek word “xeros,” which means dry. Xeriscape landscaping focuses on using native plants and flowers, which in Florida means drought-tolerant options that are environmentally friendly.
Fast Facts: Xeriscaping
- Xeriscaping has traditionally been popular in Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, although Florida’s climate is ideal for the concept as well.
- Xeriscaping strives to create a lawn using drought-resistant local grasses or lawn replacements such as gravel or stone. In Florida, natural seashells are often used for driveways, pathways and ground cover.
- Xeriscaping’s visual appeal is derived from various natural elements, such as exotic succulents, rocks, gravel, trees, pots, and colorful perennials.
Four Benefits Associated with Xeriscaping
- With proper design, xeriscaping can lower the need for supplemental or additional irrigation systems and prevent excess runoff from your landscape after heavy rainstorms. Native plants have adapted to the Florida Gulf Coast climate conditions and can handle our ever-changing weather. Unlike landscaping beds that become muddy swamps after an afternoon storm, xeriscapes will maintain their aesthetic integrity.
- Xeriscaping can lower your water bill, as the method conserves water and reduces the need for irrigation.
- Xeriscaping is fantastic for the local environment in many ways. One significant benefit is that native plants attract native wildlife, birds, bees, and butterflies – creating a beautiful habitat to help them thrive.
- Xeriscaping can increase your property value. Well-established and well-maintained landscaping has long been considered an asset when it comes to selling real estate. However, a xeriscaped yard takes that advantage several steps further by saving money, conserving water, and being eco-friendly.
Getting Started with a Xeriscape
While the guide below outlines the basic necessary steps for setting up your xeriscape, please don’t feel that you have to go it alone. Find a professional landscaper specializing in xeriscaping to help you assess your property and make appropriate design choices.
Choose Your Plants: Selecting the most appropriate plants for your xeriscape begins with considering the amount of sun and shade your yard receives, as well as identifying your soil type. With that information, you can more confidently choose the best drought-tolerant plants for your yard. You’ll want native plants that thrive with as little water as possible – but can also handle a few months of downpours.
Know Your Mulch: Mulch minimizes evaporation, discourages weeds, and conserves water moisture. It also delivers nutrients to the plant roots while keeping the root system cool during our sizzling summer days.
Prepare the Soil: Proper soil preparation is essential for xeriscaping, as the kind of soil present on the property will determine what plants will thrive there. Xeriscaping in sandy soil will require one type of plant, while the same effort in clay soil will require a different kind of plant altogether.
Choose Your Groundcover: Whether drought-resistant grasses, rock, shell, or gravel – choosing materials that require little to no water will achieve your purposes.
Xeriscaping proves that Florida homeowners don’t have to fight with our challenging environment to create stunning curb appeal. By embracing innovative and alternative strategies such as xeriscaping, a low-maintenance, eye-catching yard is easy to design.
Bruce Williams Homes has built uniquely elegant custom homes in the Sarasota and Manatee areas for over five decades. When we design your home or bring your renovation to life, we ensure every detail is perfect – including the landscaping that surrounds your property. Call today to learn more.
