Efficient hose-end sprinklers throw large drops of water, not a mist, close to the ground. Although most people associate the term xeriscape with a desert or barren landscape, theres a lot more to this landscape design that thrives with little to no water. 1. The same applies to hand-watering. 1. The shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. This is the official blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects. Group plants with similar water needs to make watering easier. Jessica, Instead,I aminfluenced by characteristics such as: how the plant works in an overall design, its adaptability to a variety of sites, the colors and form of the foliage, the availability and costof the plants, etc. My question is, where would I find these plants? When you install at least one low-water use tree as part of your Grass-to-Xeriscape project, you may be eligible for an additional incentive - $50 for one eligible tree planted and $75 for . There are two general groups of grasses: warm-season and cool-season. Periodic shaping and pruning help to maintain the plants compact form. This shrub is easy to care for, and maintains a very compact and dense form. What are some of the best plants to use for this area. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. (It should not be confused with zeroscaping, which uses lots of rocks and only a few . Over time, as the fabric clogs with dirt, it doesnt allow for proper oxygen exchange to plant roots and decreases the ability to allow water to infiltrate the soil. These perennial plants have a low-growing habit, which makes them a great addition to the edges of natural gardens. Whats the better option? The perennial plant is available in different foliage colors like purple, red, bronze, and more. It is characterized by the use of drought-resistant vegetation suitable to the local climate. The Grants Unit provides strategic direction, policy and guidance, and best practices for state agencies managing state and federal grant funds. Four Season Sensation garden design from Colorado Vista Landscape Design, Inc. Colorado Watersmart Native Border design by The Horticulture Consultant. Crate & Basket also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Love this list! It's not a specific look or specific group of plants. . Fort Collins, CO 80521. A lot of that goes to turf grass. We dont ship any plants- I would recommend High Country Gardens, they ship everywhere. 5. In fact, the term "xeriscape" originated in Denver during the 1980s, when the city's water department encouraged it as a way to save drinkable water. Pruning in early winter is recommended to encourage growth. Xeriscape Basics - Planttalk #1901. Note that barberry can be invasive when it escapes the garden into unmanaged areas. Fern-bush or desert sweet is a native shrub with white flower clusters. A bill would expand grass buyouts statewide and double local payments. Xeriscape provides a diversity of seasonal colors and textures, lowers outdoor water use 30-50% and reduces yard maintenance. The Crimson Pygmy barberry shrub is a dwarf ornamental shrub. Would they grow right in Pueblo, CO, about 4650 feet? Apply adequate water during the first years of plant establishment, then gradually reduce irrigation. You can choose to combine some with your regular plants to provide texture and color to your garden. Typical Colorado soils are heavy clay and have a higher . Request a consultation by calling 303.739.7195. One of the best things you can do for Colorado and for the planet is to replace your grass lawn with xeriscape, so this is a really important step and we can certainly help make things easier on you with our turf replacement program. With water conservation being emphasized everywhere, Denver, and all of Colorado is well aware of the term Xeriscape. Do you have a list of which ones are best to plant that are less likely to be eaten by bunnies? Feel free to email me at (mcorrion AT odgdesign dot com) and maybe we can exchange more info or I can give you more info on the Colorado plants. Its time to rip up the sod and Id love a combination of ground covers and perennials that are low maintenance and require little water and little sun (under ash trees mostly). Adjust your watering times monthly to meet seasonal needs. Yucca is a southwestern native, which means it can also withstand low temperatures like 10F. Yarrow can be grown as an herb for its healing properties and as a decorative addition to your garden. The best plants, in my opinion, are those that are well adapted to thelocal climate and do not require much additional water and maintenance. You can contact me at [emailprotected] Thanks for your question! Project Highlight: Olde Town Arvada Landscape Makeover, New Bill Seeks to Encourage Use of Xeriscape in Common Areas, The Good, the Bad and the Non-existent Bike Rack, Whats That Stench? issues, 40.585258, The plant is native to North America, even growing in Canada and the Pacific Northwest. We strongly discourage the use of weed fabric in the landscape. Artemisia is perfect if youre looking for a plant that creates background interest in the landscape. I am not a botanist- I am a landscape architect. Lindsay Rogers with Western Resource Advocates says 50% of the water used by municipalities in Colorado is used outdoors, mostly to irrigate grass. Yes unfortunately the evergreen choices are a little limited. Another good plant with a similar look that you could try is Bluestem Joint Fir (Ephedera equisetina). These principles are explained below in the order a landscape planner or property owner would consider to install the best landscape. Also, the ground needs to be infertile. Avoid cutting back Agastache in the fall, which allows re-seeding and improves winter hardiness. To sum it up, I would say try to time the planting of perennials, shrubs and trees between May 15 and June 15 in the Spring, or in late summer/early fall, roughly between September 1 and October 15. Here at crate and basket, I hope to share my tips, tricks and ideas for everything from gardening, organization, mom stuff, life on the farm, DIY and home decor. Youll only need to water the plant until its roots are established. The plant gets its name from its characteristic flowers with a color and shape similar to flaming torches. Conduct a site analysis noting sun exposure, slope, views, and soil types. As the name suggests, xeriscaping is a form of landscaping colorado that focuses on utilizing water . After the first few weeks through the third year, when plants are likely established, reduce watering frequency. It covers a wide array of alternatives and could be a landscape with a little less lawn, a yard entirely made up of a . Would you like to discuss having me do a design for you? Fill your flower bed with native species for the most sustainable garden possible. The plant can have lavender-blue, pink, or white flowers. The term xeriscape was coined and trademarked by the Denver Water Department in 1978 as a response to the need for landscaping to conserve water following a drought in the western US. Kentucky bluegrass requires 24-26 inches of supplemental irrigation in a normal precipitation year, compared to Fine Fescue which requires 18-20 inches and Buffalograss which requires 8-10 inches. If not, could you make a recommendation? Hey there! Although torch lilies can survive winter, its best to cover their leaves with a straw mat and layer the base with peat. Planting trees on east, southeast, southwest and west exposures reduce solar heat gain and reduce glare through windows. Xeriscape Colorado is a program of Colorado WaterWise that promotes xeriscape as a beautiful, water-saving approach to landscaping in our challenging climate and with our limited water resources. Generally speaking, these plants can be planted anytime after the last hard freeze in Spring (which historically has occurred around Mothers Day) and at least a week before the first hard freeze of Fall. Hi Sandy, Should I plant before or after winter? The word, Xeriscape, comes from the Greek word "xeros", meaning dry. To learn more about installing a water-wise landscape, go to our education page. Grants to receive payment. A Beginner's Guide to Xeriscaping. Blue Avena grass or blue oat grass is a beautiful addition to any landscape design. . 1907 - Xeriscape Plant Choices. The red color makes an excellent contrast with the tan and blue hues of the late summer Xeriscape. We need to screen a lot! Xeriscapelandscaping with plants that use less watercan reduce outdoor water use by as much as 50 percent. Up until then, the typical yard was a blanket of bluegrass with a shade tree in the middle. The hardy plant thrives well in total sun exposure and well-drained soil. View your bill and pay with a bank account. Ornamental grasses add important elements to gardens that no other group of plants can - texture, color and movement. They only need well-drained and fertile soil. 3307 S. College Ave. , Suite 200-6. Catmint is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. Poppy Mallow. Kill the existing grassuse a sod cutter to remove grass material completely, or kill the grass in place by solarizing with clear plastic or killing with chemicals. CO 80524; Email us; 970-212-2900 - 24-hour payments and account information (Se habla espaol.) Any permits required for xeriscaping Aurora projects. A free sprinkler checkup helps you save water by using your sprinkler system more effectively. Thanks. Install a variety of plants with different heights, colors and textures. In 2005, Colorado enacted law that impacts all associations and their ability to prohibit or limit xeriscaping. The plant thrives in full sun and can grow as tall as 3 meters or 10 feet tall. The first step to a drought-tolerant lawn is to eliminate as much turf grass as possible. Xeriscaping is a great way to reduce fertilizer and pesticide application as well as cut back on irrigation. Green in the shoulder months of the growing season when precipitation is more frequent, and temperatures are cooler. Glad I found your post on pinterest. Yarrow is best planted in early summer or spring to prevent frost from damaging it. Most Colorado soils benefit from adding two to three cubic yards of organic matter, such as commercial compost or aged manure, for every 1,000 square feet of landscape area. I have only included plants that are very easy to care for, and have excluded plants that require a lot of water since that is a keycomponent of Xeriscape. Building rock gardens in Colorado just makes good practical sense within a landscape. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/yucca/caring-for-and-landscaping-with-yuccas-outdoors.htm, https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-agastache/, https://www.gardenia.net/plant/fallugia-paradoxa, https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/th-3-45.pdf, https://www.waterwiseplants.org/find-a-plant/fringed-sage/, https://www.5280.com/2019/05/the-beginners-guide-to-xeriscape-in-denver/, https://www.epicgardening.com/xeriscape-plants/, https://www.thespruce.com/xeriscaping-plants-a-drought-resistant-approach-2130777, https://resourcecentral.org/xeriscaping-in-colorado-a-step-by-step-guide/, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/agave/growing-agave.htm, https://www.waterwiseplants.org/find-a-plant/blue-fescue/, https://www.waterwiseplants.org/find-a-plant/moonshine-yarrow/, https://www.waterwiseplants.org/find-aplant/fernbush/, https://plantselect.org/plantstories/fernbush-fantastic-fernbush/, How to Build a Plant Nursery for Business: 9 Things Youll Need, 7 Reasons Your Jalapeno Leaves Are Turning Yellow, 6 Reasons Your Jalapenos Are Turning Black. Evaluate soil and improve, if necessary. Available City Rebates. There may be others in their collection as well. I often get asked to recommend Xeriscape plants for Colorado landscapes. You may find it includes using mulch, succulents, sands, and drought-resistant or xeric plants. Although the plant can grow in most places, it experiences stunted growth in alkaline soil. Limit turf areas to manageable sizes and shapes. About 70 percent of the water consumed by the average single-family home is used outdoors. TheFort Collins Utilities Xeriscape Incentive Programhas been helping residents tranform landscapes since 2015. Nurseries carry trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers that are low water-using. Mexican feather grass grows 2 feet tall. Their bell-shaped and tall blooms are also colorful and bloom from late spring to summer. Im busy tearing out the lawn of the place I bought last fall, and replacing it with something OTHER than lawn and junipers. Jared Polis has signed Colorado's turf replacement bill . 4145 Netley Grove Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Weed fabric is slippery and doesnt give wood mulch anything to grip to. When putting together the design incorporate your walkways, patios, focal points, and planting based around your site analysis. Such fees generally add another $7.20-$9.00 to the total. Figure 1: Perennials Gaillardia x grandiflora ' Goblin' (lower right) and Sedum sp. Broomfield, CO 80020. Torch lily grows from underground bulbs. Check trees and shrubs for pruning needs once a year. This is a insane post. Native plantings, along with well adapted non-natives, serve well in a xeric landscape. It has feathery flower panicles that provide enhanced beauty to the surrounding. Do you ship? If there are some plants that are drying out faster than others, add an additional or larger drip emitter. A third of the plants on the list are native to Fort Collins. You can also pick up FREE mulch from the City of Fort Collins. Western sand cherry is great for xeriscaping as it can thrive in any soil condition or pH level. A landscaping colorado designed to attract wildlife is the perfect solution to both problems. This means that I am far from an experton the science and anatomy of plants. Our mission is to provide the best quality landscape design, construction, and maintenance to both residential and commercial projects. After all, it is the variety in color, textures, and formthat makes Xeriscaping so attractive. Contact us online or call (303) 922-9889 to get started on your new xeriscape landscape! Nonetheless, most varieties do well in part or full sun and require a layer of mulch and occasional watering to establish better. Zone together plants with similar water and sunlight needs. They can also be subtle and evocative of the wide open skies and intense light of the natural western landscape. Crimson Pygmy Barberry - Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' Crimson Pygmy Barberry is a compact deciduous shrub with small red leaves and stems. Xeriscape Xeriscape (pronounced ZEER-ih-scape) is a term coined in the early 1980s by Denver Water to describe the use of native and climate-adapted plants in landscaping. Photo of the Day Natural Pond with new Boulder Edge, Osteospermum Variety Provides a Welcome Avalanche, 20 More Great Xeriscape Plants for Colorado. I would want to send it in December. You can plant catmint for edging, which deters insects when paired with other vegetables. They also have numerous printable fact sheets relating to Colorado Springs xeriscape landscaping topics. Were in our sixties so we need low maintance. Xeriscape has been misunderstood in many different ways. It performs best in dry, well-drained soil and full sun. For more information visit our website Douglas Conserves . 'Xeriscape' is a landscape method that promotes water conservation. Torch lily, or red hot poker, belongs to the Liliaceae family. As long as you have a citizenship card . I am working on putting a list together for above 7,000 feet, please stay tuned There are definitely some different issues and challenges that come with the higher elevation. Call 385-888-ROCK (7625) Call 385-888-ROCK (7625) Utah's xeriscape and Colorful, explosive plantings and lush foliage are not typically thought of to describe Xeriscaping, but as seen in this Denver park, that is exactly what you will accomplish following these seven principles put together by Denver Water: 2022. Agastache is best planted in a woodland garden as rabbits and deer dont like it. This is exactly what Ive been looking for!! Given this information, select the right plant for the right place by using local plant list resources such as ourXIP-Approved Plant List(You can also view this interactive plant list with photos and filter options). After numerous trips the library and Barnes & Noble, I have come to the conclusion that Xeriscape Colorado is the definitive resource for responsible landscaping in Colorado. Rather, it's a diverse combination of low-water plants and materials that create a beautiful and water-wise landscape. Of course there are occasions where the use ofhigher water-use plantsis desirable, such as in drainage areas, however I have left them off of this particular list. That is a regular occurrence for most agave species. Sharron please email me at: [emailprotected] odgdesign .com and I can send you more info. They are adapted to deal with the climate. Whether you live in a desert or not, grass is one of the most high-maintenance plants you can put in your front yard. Read on for our top FAQs: First, a little background. Can you suggest plants we can use as ground cover. In spring, you must trim the foliage base a few inches above the ground. Xeriscaping: Creative Landscaping - Fact Sheet #7.228. A great resource for exploring each of these seven principles of Colorado Springs Xeriscape is Utilities Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at the Conservation and Environmental Center, 2855 Mesa Road in Colorado Springs. Deb, Xeriscape is more drought-tolerant than turf grass. How much water? do I need to protect in the winter? Learn from experts about improving your sprinkler system, selecting low-water use plants, composting, recycling, rain barrels and more. They carried many good xeriscape plants. Your email address will not be published. You can sign up for LETA911 to receive local emergency alerts. Ive heard Boulder and Longmont also have great nurseries that carry xeriscape plants as well. Bees and butterflies love Apache plume, as its rich in nectar. Appropriate Maintenance. Are you working with someone who is licensed in CO? While fabric may help keep weeds down for a few years, the negatives far outweigh this one positive. Contact us for a free estimate! Its available in different varieties, with leaves ranging from blue-green to dark green. Water Wise Landscape Design: Design Steps - CMG GardenNotes #411. Addressing the state's water challenges by improving water efficiency through diverse community connections, innovative solutions and valuable member resources. Just found your wonderful site! Artemisia is drought tolerant and rarely requires supplemental watering. Creeping western sand cherry thrives well in dry locations and in USDA hardiness zones 3-6. And if this were a list of my personal favorite plants thenI wouldprobably include some thatrequire a little extra care. As a single working mom, that isnt always easy. 3. Units at the Geos community in Arvada contain xeriscaped yards to minimize the need for watering. There is another broom sold at some of the big box stores called Lena Broom (cant recall the scientific name off the top of my head), but it isnt hardy enough to survive Colorado winters. A couple great plants for your situation would be Oregon Grape Holly and Coral Bells. These perceptions need to be re-defined with the true understanding of Xeriscape. Select trees and shrubs for xeric landscapes based on both adaptation to Colorado's climate and the ability to prosper in reduced water situations. This ornamental grass blooms with full sunlight and loamy soil with excellent drainage. These plants are low maintenance and immune to most pests. Theres also a variety of blue flowers that is a favorite of bees and butterflies. There are over 300 species of Artemisia that include perennials, annuals, and woody shrubs. In the western United States, over half of potable water is used on landscapes. The word "xeriscape" comes from Greek. The Festuca Boulder Blue, or blue fescue, has silvery-blue foliage and tan seed heads. Heres a list of some xeriscape plants to consider. Grasslands are a natural feature of the Colorado plains. Photo of the Day: Before and After of Street Median Landscape, Are All Oak Trees Slow Growing? Xeriscape demonstration gardens showcase the methods, plants and materials for low-water gardening. Overcrowding the plants in a hot climate can lead to leaf spots or powdery mildew. Wildflowers and native grasses are excellent lawn substitutes. Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) Commercial Manual. Get Quotes & Book Instantly. Thanks much. Early fall or spring is the best time to plant this succulent. Ok did I actually see you can grow agave plants in Colorado? His page that specifically lists Agaves is: http://www.coldhardycactus.com/collections/agave Its a perennial, evergreen shrub that grows well in full sun and in soil that drains well. All plants listed are suitable for our USDA plant hardiness zone (5b in Fort Collins), which relates to average freezing temperatures for our area. Although the drought-resistant plant thrives in the hot sun, it shouldnt be grown in very arid climates. Mow grass when it is about 1/3 higher than the desired height. Having a beautiful, organized home is something I constantly strive to achieve. 1- Plan Ahead. On the other hand, for many ornamental grasses and some perennials that bloom in late summer/early fall, planting in fall could be problematic due to their time of flowering. Propagation through cuttings or seeds should be done in spring. How much would it cost to have you plan a xeriscape for me? Happy Planting! These plants are also ideal for xeriscaping as they thrive in hot and dry conditions. Find resources about turf removal/selection, soil amendment, mulch, irrigation, native plants, landscape design and more! Schools, churches, and other charitable organizations not registered with the Colorado Secretary of State may enter zeros (000000) when asked for their CO SOS number. (below) Do you have the list for above 7000 available? Caring for yuccas is easy as you only need to cut the old leaves on a mature yucca plant to allow new leaves to grow. Luckily, the grass for the most part will have gone dormant, not dead. Do kids and pets need a big open area? Home 16 Best Xeriscape Plants for Colorado. 1911 - Xeriscape Trees & Shrubs. Adding mulch also helps with moisture retention. That being said, I do think a small list can be helpful to people who are new to the area, or are not familiar with the available plant choices and may be overwhelmed by a catalog of thousands of plants. Its best to prune Crimson Pygmy in late winter before the emergence of new growth. mowed), urban setting, patchwork is not preferred. . When growing yuccas, leave enough space as a mature plant with an extensive root system can grow to 3 feet. There are few true xeriscape-type trees, and a few more xeriscape-type shrubs. There are so many of each to chose from that I will provide future lists for each category. "Xeros" means dry, and "scape" refers to the view or look of the landscape. Follow these easy steps from local experts to start your own water-wise garden. This results in a patchwork of competing grass species. Our Responsible Business Practices Make a Difference: Locally owned and operated for 35+ years. Fast forward to 2022. There are a few ways you can remove your grass lawn before planting your xeric plants: Physical removal. Great info! One great resource for cold hardy Agaves is the website Cold Hardy Cactus: http://www.coldhardycactus.com. Inspection and/or Aurora building fees. Happy Gardening! The Criteria for this List: Watch how your garden responds before and after watering events. Establishment watering--Whether seed or plug, your warm-season grasses need water to get started. Some thrive in clay soil, while others require sandy soil. Turf buyout programs could start to solve some of the water shortages during long-term drought. When a plant shows signs of this stress, you may be tempted to water more but that wont solve the problem or save your plant. When you remove 500 square feet or more of established grass and replace it with a water-thrifty landscape, the City of Mesa will provide a $500 incentive.