Transitioning to xeriscape

"Harriet Nation" in news:40b3c86f$1 snipped-for-privacy@news.wcc.net:

yeah, climate and how close you might be to a water 'table'. your soil type is also relevant. coarse or fine.

also depends on each species. and size. 'drought' tolerance of larger plants can surprise a person...

You can make the transition while the plants you have are in the ground. Slowly back off watering. You may be surprised at how much less water they need once you get them acclimated. Second, a trick to xeric success is directly related to the amount of organic matter you have in your soil and mulch.

So, I suggest you water less and less, see what cannot tolerate the low levels of water and pull those plants out, replace with xeric plants for your soil type, and location.

Victoria

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Zone 5. I don't think we have water close to the surface. Clay soil about 1% organic content. I improve the south plots to about 5% and constantly battle to get even that. The West and North gardens remain about 8%.

I was hoping I could see what survives and continue to compost and use soil organisms and worms to keep the soil improvement at its present level. My perception is that most people pull everything, improve the soil and then put in only standard xeric plants.

That's sorta what I wanted to here. I have only minimal turf. The front is all roses, perennials and herbs. Zone 5. Even though my particular city isn't rationing water, I water less than the cities around me who are restricted to certain days and limited watering time.

I've been surprised at how well the roses are doing. But, my soil is well improved already.

Take the time to read this book:

Noah's Garden by Sara Stein.

Need a good, cheap, knowledge expanding present for a friend?

"R. Anvil" in news: snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:

some roses are tough.

with clay, you migth have to settle for plants that go dormant during dry season (iris. others i can't think of now). otoh, zone 5 is somewhat short season.

see what your highway dept plants. tough plants

Your extension service should have a specialist in xeriscape. If not, contact some master gardeners in your area. Many master gardeners have extremely valuable knowledge on the best plantings for your area.