When it comes to landscaping your yard, the possibilities are endless.
Although the traditional yard is preferred by many, ideas are sprouting in local yards.
This year, xeriscaping and vegetable gardens are proving to be the popular choices for many Puebloans.
In a time when conditions are dry, the climate is hot and water conservation is pivotal, the decision as to which kind of garden to put in is split among homeowners contemplating the best route for their yard.
Gary Waye, owner of Fox’s Garden Supply, is a master of the art of landscaping yards and has offered input regarding the topic.
Waye said xeriscaping, which has been a popular option for homeowners and featured in many streetscapes across Pueblo, offers certain advantages.
“Xeriscaping can conserve 50 to 60 percent of water per year,” he said.
These yards featuring bluegrass, rose moss and coneflowers may seem like a more economical route, especially in the hottest months of this arid state.
Waye said, however, that the popularity xeriscaped gardens is decreasing.
“It is not as popular a trend as in the past,” he said, “People are opting for the more traditional looking yard, mainly with grass.”
But, if you are leaning toward a xeriscaping garden, Waye advised, “educate yourself first. Start by looking around your own and your neighbors’ yards and see what you like and ask questions.”
To begin, consider incorporating plants such as Russian sage or black-eyed Susan. Larger, taller plants best can be arranged closest to the house since they require more water, while smaller plants, which can better withstand heat, can be planted farther away.
As temperatures rise at the height of summer, the prime planting window has passed, so if you are looking to put in xeriscaping plants, wait for the temperatures to drop.
“Early spring and fall are the best times to incorporate new items, depending on the type of plant,” Waye said.
Although xeriscaping is less popular this year, and traditional yards occupy the majority of Pueblo, vegetable gardens are increasing in popularity.
“People may be eating out less or may be more health conscious, so many are growing veggies this year,” Waye said.
Water maintenance is key, but vegetable gardens are an efficient choice due to the readily available food source, he said.
Charles Parsley, 75, lives in the Belmont neighborhood and has maintained a vegetable garden for the past five decades.
“The whole reason I do this is to get out and do something productive, but it is healthy too,” he said.
Parsley, who can be seen caring for vegetables ranging from beets and onions to Anaheim chilies, has several 6×10 raised garden beds complete with a drip irrigation system.
No matter the homeowner’s choice, Waye stressed the importance of proper yard maintenance.
“A lot of people water completely wrong,” he said. “They overdo it, on their lawn and in the vegetable gardens and with plants and flowers too,” he said.
The most efficient and productive method to watering is to do so less frequently, but for longer periods.
“Watering too much and too shallow is not the right way. People should look out in the morning (the best time for watering) and if everything looks perky, they can skip a day, then water well the next day,” Waye said.
He pointed out that most lawns have very shallow roots and, if the watering patterns are altered, the roots will be deeper and stronger, in a few weeks.
At least an inch of roots leads to a healthy lawn, he added.
A drip irrigation system is recommended for vegetable gardens and sections that are xeriscaped, and serves as an easy and conventional way to provide those areas with an ample amount of water.
As the temperatures rise, maintenance is key to whatever type of garden, or landscape area you choose to have, Waye said.
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