Xeriscape your landscape

Van Grow Landscaping loves working with native species and implementing their beauty in with our designs for your special mountain space. If water conservation concepts are of interest to you, reach out to us to see how we can incorporate them into your space.

Xeriscape comes from the Greek word “xeric” meaning dry or arid. ... The correct way to say Xeriscape is “zeer-i-scape” not “zee-ro-scape.” Xeriscape is a type of landscape design that uses low-water-use or drought-tolerant plants that require little to no supplemental irrigation.

The concept was coined and trademarked by Denver Water, the city of Denver's water department, during a difficult drought period in the late '70s and early '80s.

Why we implement xeriscape as an option:

• Conserves water

• Provides lots of attractive planting options

• Presents minimal pest and disease problems

• Thrives with little fertilization.

• Requires low pruning and maintenance

• Saves valuable landfill space

Plants we love to use for these designs

• Silver Carpet (Dymondia margaratae)

• Creeping or Wooly Thyme (Thymus spp.)

• Kurapia / Frogfruit (Lippia nodiflora)

• Silver Pony-foot (Dichondra argentea)

• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

• Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)

• Corsican Mint (Mentha requenii)

• Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)

• Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Alternatives Van Grow Landscaping uses for an Eco-Friendly space

"No-Mow" Lawn

Usually a blend of creeping and clumping Fescue varieties. Does actually require occasional mowing and raking out old material to keep it healthy and looking tidy.

You can select low water no-mow varieties that requires much less water and fertilizer than a traditional lawn, and the minimal maintenance also reduces the carbon footprint compared to mowing with a gas-powered mower.

Meadow Grasses

• These are usually not true "grass" species, but a closely related plant called sedge (Carex sp.). Species used will vary regionally, but some common varieties are Carex praegracilis, C. pansa, and C. texensis.

• Great for stabilizing slopes

Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides)

• North American native that comprised the short grass prairies that American Buffalo once roamed.

• Requires ~75% less water than a traditional lawn. May be mowed to more closely resemble a traditional lawn, or left to grow out to its full height of 8-10".

• Turns buff/golden-brown in winter, but quickly greens up in spring.

In addition to planting alternatives, we can also use materials like gravel, decomposed granite, or bark mulch as part of a lawn-replacement design.