You’d think xeriscaping is not as impressive as a full landscaping project with water features, plants, and animals, but it’s nothing like that!
Xeriscaping is a particularly different project that has its benefits. In fact, many more homeowners are looking into xeriscaping than there were a few years ago!
And it’s easy to see why…
Xeriscaping doesn’t require nearly as much water as landscaping, and it only takes a few elements to elevate the curb appeal of your property.
Let’s see the top 3 things that go into a xeriscaping project!
#1. Draught Tolerant Plants
Draught tolerant plants are plants that require no water. These are specific for xeriscaping projects, and they’re fairly common in and around Denver because of the soil.
Here are some of the most common draught-resistant species for Colorado climate:
Butterfly Bush
The delightful Butterfly Bush will add eye-catching hues to your garden until the end of the growing season. This plant, as its name implies, is a great way to bring butterflies and hummingbirds into your yard – plus, it comes in bewitching colors such as white, pink, purple, magenta, and tricolor! Sizes vary from 3 feet tall to an impressive 8 feet high with similar widths – all donning an elegant arching formation for added charm.
Siberian Pea Shrub
The distinctively hardy and durable Sweet Pea plant is often found gracing garden landscapes with its vivid yellow Spring blooms, luxurious fern-like foliage, and vibrant 12’ to 15’ stature. Though if you desire something more compact for your outdoor space, miniature varieties are also available!
Russian Sage
This hardy plant, which can be seen blooming along Colorado roadways, is a sight to behold. With its unmistakable lavender-colored flowers that remain vibrant late into the season and an impressive height of 4’-6’ tall with full horizontal growth potential – it’s no wonder why this plant has become so popular!
Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris)
As the Summer fades away, this magical shrub will produce enchanting blue tufts of flowers, reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet and widths of 2 to 3 feet. Once winter arrives, its elegant branches and wispy dried blooms make it a captivating sight in your garden all year round.
#2 Rocks And Gravel
Xeriscaping means dry scaping, so it can include anything that doesn’t require water. Obviously rocks and gravel are, and will always be, one of the main components in landscaping and xeriscaping as well.
Let’s take a look at some of the rocks and gravel you can use in your upcoming project.
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite offers a rustic, sand-colored aesthetic that is perfect for landscaping and xeriscape applications. Its warm reddish-tan hue makes it an ideal choice for garden trails, around trees, or as an affordable ground cover option.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel, aptly named for its pea-sized grains of 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch in diameter, is available in various colors, from white to tan and brown. Pea gravel has become the go-to material for landscaping projects due to its hardiness, affordability, and ease of installation, making it one choice that won’t decompose like mulch over time! Homeowners use it for covering driveways, filling spaces between stone pavers, and as an indisposable weed barrier.
Crushed Granite Gravel
Lava Rock
Lava rock is a captivating addition to any landscaping project, with its dazzlingly bold colors and natural origin from volcanic lava. Not only does it serve as an eye-catching accent in gardens and yards, but it’s also ideal for drier climates due to its ability to absorb heat during the day and slowly disperse heat throughout the night.
#3. Wood Features
Features like decks and pergolas should be present in any backyard. These are great spots to relax, read a book or the news, drink your coffee, and watch the sunset (or sunrise). These wood features don’t require water, so they’re a perfect fit for any xeriscaping project.
Here are some outdoor features you can get:
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is an essential component in any xeriscaped backyard. Not only does it add to the overall aesthetic of your space, but it also provides comfortable seating and can complete the overall appearance of the area. These are mandatory if you want to host some barbecue or family gatherings!
Decks
Having a deck in the backyard is an excellent way to maximize outdoor living space and enjoy the beautiful scenery of your home. Decks come in various materials, such as wood, composite, or vinyl. Wood decks are usually less expensive and require more maintenance than composite and vinyl decks, but they also bring classic charm and natural beauty to your property.
Pergola
Our customers often inquire about pergolas and how functional they would be in their backyard. Needless to say, pergolas work great in a xeriscaping project. These offer the ideal place to install the outdoor furniture and spend time with your friends or family outdoors. It offers the perfect amount of shade, fresh air, and relaxation at a sensible price.
Gazebo
Gazebos are one of the most popular backyard features for those looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their outdoor space. Gazebos offer an excellent spot for entertaining a small group of friends, as it provides an area with shade, seating, and protection from the elements. These are smaller than pergolas, but they look like those depicted in fairy tales.
Conclusion
Xeriscaping doesn’t take a lot of things to make it work. More important, it doesn’t require water and the maintenance that most homeowners try to avoid in their backyard.
It’s a great solution if you want to enjoy your outdoor space more than maintain it.
Here at Crush, we’re experts in xeriscaping and creating pristine spaces that our customers fall in love with at first sight. We’re reasonably priced and reliable xeriscaping contractors that serve Bennett, Watkins, Aurora, Strasburg, and Denver, CO.
Give us a call today at (720) 507-4076 or request your free quote now!