It would make sense that in a region not unfamiliar with drought and dry conditions, an increasingly popular landscaping and gardening practice known as xeriscaping would find its birth.
In 1981, a Denver water employee coined the term xeriscape, a portmanteau of xeros — (Greek for “dry”) — and landscaping, to describe landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Long promoted in regions that do not have easily accessible, plentiful, or reliable supplies of fresh water, xeriscaping is gaining acceptance in other areas as water becomes more limiting.
So, in addition to conservation of water, what are the benefits of xeriscaping?
Provides tremendous color, variety and beauty, even in winter.
Gives you more time to enjoy your yard because it needs less watering, mowing, fertilizing and weeding.
Xeriscape plants in appropriate planting design, and soil grading and mulching take full advantage of rainfall retention.
If water restrictions are ever implemented, xeriscape plants tend to survive and thrive, while more ornamental plants may be unable to adapt.
Saves a lot of money.
Availability of options. There are a number of plants that work well in xeriscape gardens, such as Fernbush, Agastache, Panchito Manzanita, Yarrow, Spanish Gold Broom, Catmint, Sage, Japanese Barberry, Juniper, Potentilla, Ice Plant, Lilac and Pampas Grass, to name but a few.
Additionally, natural stone is one of the most versatile elements available for a landscape makeover. Rocks add texture and contrast, serve as a durable groundcover and require little or no maintenance. Wood chips and bark often are used, either alone or to complement.
The rocks you select will help set the tone for your entire layout. For example, tawny beach pebbles or river rocks add warmth, while white marble chips help brighten up shady areas. Flat terracotta stones complement a tropical landscape, but can seem out of place in a more formal garden.
For a minimalist modern landscape or Polynesian-themed garden, black lava rocks are excellent.
Randall Tierney, of American Pride Landscaping of Pueblo West, took some time to reflect on the changes landscaping in Southern Colorado has undergone over the past 50 years.
“Dramatically,” Tierney said of changes in the industry and process.
“Typically, upon building a home or business, the owner would commonly plant a few trees, plant grass seed and surround the sides of their building with some plants and bushes, often doing the work themselves,” Tierney said.
Many a homeowner found out that improving the exterior of a property was a great deal of work that added tremendous value to the property. “So persons began specializing in the various tasks required to install landscape materials. The benefits to the homeowner were many. They were able to enjoy the improvements to the property surrounding their homes in a matter of weeks or even days as opposed to small improvements the homeowner would make during the evenings or weekends when they were not at work,” Tierney said.
Through time, landscapers learned what plants, bushes, shrubs, trees and grasses were best suited to the local climate. The homeowner benefited not only from this knowledge but by the efforts of a dedicated landscaper, who ensured that plants were installed in a sustainable manner which allowed them to thrive year after year.
Noted Tierney, “A major change in Southwest Colorado came in the 1960s, when John Verna introduced using stones as focal points of landscape design. Use of stones eventually evolved in the process of xeriscaping.
“Essentially, John Verna began xeriscaping 20 years before it was given a name,” Tierney added. “The use of natural stone to enhance the beauty of a landscape seemed a normal step for Colorado, where we daily admire the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.”
Landscaping with stone took off and became the centerpiece of Verna’s landscaping business. “John worked at it all of his career and now it has become the cornerstone of the business carried on since the mid-1990s by his son, Kevin Verna, through American Pride Landscape — on the same property his father ran his business on in Pueblo West,” Tierney said.
The company makes much use of Breeze such as Canon Granite, Western Sunset and Byzantine, which comes in a variety of colors, is very compactible and makes for a very firm, stable surface. It is easy to maintain and it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
“Everyone can contribute to the welfare of our environment and the conservation of water by simply using xeriscaping techniques to enhance the beauty of their properties and save money to boot,” said Tierney.
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