1. PLANNING & DESIGN

To begin, think about how you would like to use your property and what features it could have. For example, would you like a patio, a big shade tree, a butterfly garden, or a vegetable garden? Where do you need pathways? How much sun is there in different areas? Are there views you want to frame or things you want to hide?

Next, you can make a scale drawing of your property, house and any plants or features that you want to keep. Then try out your ideas using overlays of tracing paper.

This will help you envision your finished garden and accurately locate the features you desire, as well as plan the sequence of work.

2. SOIL PREPARATION

Whether you have sandy soil or clay soil, the addition of organic matter (i.e. compost, manure) will help your plants to thrive. Organic matter increases moisture retention and feeds your plants naturally. Spending time and money to create good soil in your garden will ensure healthy plants and save you time and money by greatly reducing maintenance, plant replacement, and water use.

3. PRACTICAL TURF AREAS

traditional turf grass, as it is commonly maintained, is the most labour-intensive, water-thirsty, chemically-addicted landscaping. Have only as much lawn as you need for activities such as children’s play areas. Lawn grows best in at least six inches of good soil, with lots of organic matter and good drainage, in a flat location in the sun and away from tree root competition. Choose a turf grass mix that is suited to the climate. In hard to mow areas, such as slopes, plant low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground covers.

4. EFFICIENT GROUPING

Group plants with similar watering needs in the same irrigation zone. Shaded areas need less water than sunny ones, so they need to be on different zones.For plants that must have supplemental moisture, water deeply (one inch/watering is recommended) and less often so the water soaks down, causing plant roots to grow deeper where they will be less vulnerable to drought. Be sparing with water in the spring so plants are encouraged to grow longer roots.In the driest weeks of the summer, one inch of water per week is sufficient for a healthy, mulched vegetable bed or lawn. To find out how long to run your sprinklers, measure the time it takes to fill the one inch depth of tuna cans as you water in each zone.Drip irrigation is the most efficient use of water. Maintain automatic systems, and ADJUST THEM REGULARLY to compensate for seasonal changes and weather. Do not water in the heat of the day.

5. APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION
Each variety of plant has growing requirements for light, moisture and soil that need to be met for it to thrive.
To find water-wise plants suited to your garden’s conditions search our Plant Database.

All plants will need watering until they are established.

However, if you cannot water, choose plants that are extremely drought-tolerant and plant them in the fall so they can get their roots established before the next summer’s drought.Creating diversity by using a large variety of plants, will invite beneficial birds and insects into your garden, thereby dramatically reducing pests problems. mulching mulch is like a protective blanket over the soil.

It will conserve soil moisture, reduce weed growth, prevent a hard crust from forming on the soil surface, and protect plant roots and the soil from extreme cold and heat.This vital component of xeriscape gardening can be used in any existing landscape. Be sure to weed and water thoroughly before mulching. Organic mulches such as compost and well-rotted manure also build up the soil and feed plants so chemical fertilizers are unnecessary. Rock mulches intensify heat around plants and your home. They make it difficult to weed and clean up fallen plant debris. Weed seeds will grow in the dust that accumulates under the rocks on top of landscape fabric.

Xeriscape posting from the Okanagan Xeriscape association

Favourite Plant Today: Yarrow Latin name Achillea millefolium cultivars Types

• Ground cover
• Perennial

Height 24-36″ Spread 24-36″ Light & Water Full sun: Zone 2 Bloom months

• June
• August

Bloom colour Red, dark pink, light pink, mauve, cream, pale yellow, mixed colours Foliage colour Green ferny Features

• Attracts butterflies
• Deer resistant
• Erosion control
• Spreader/self-seeder ()
• Winter interest

Notes E.g. Summer Pastels, Red Beauty All tend to spread by root and seed. If watered will need staking.

One of the main Nurseries we use for or plants is Dogwood Nursery www.dogwoodnursery.com for hardscaping we use Burnco www.burnco.com, Rockworld www.okrockworld.ca and Sun Oka soils.