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Minimalist Xeriscape Design

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Landscaping can be expensive and time-consuming to maintain, especially in warm or dry environments. With xeriscape design, you can create a minimalist garden that requires little to no upkeep throughout the year, even in arid climates. You can reduce water consumption by up to 80% or more, reducing your utility bill while working to conserve water. If you’re thinking about redesigning your garden, we have some simple tips on how to turn your yard into a xeriscaped paradise.

Terrain

Replacing grass with rocks, gravel, or sand creates an interesting yet simplistic look that doesn’t require much irrigation to maintain. Sandy, rocky soil also drains well and is the perfect environment for drought-resistant plants commonly used in xeriscape design. If you want to make your garden more foot-friendly, you can add features such as floors, walkways, or even a small patio to turn your garden into a complete outdoor living space.

Decorative Features

If you would like to install a contemporary water fountain but are worried about wasting water, be aware that modern features are often able to recycle the water, which is actually a requirement in some states. Such decorative features offer a sense of calm and are useful in cooling the surrounding air as well as minimizing noise.

Plants

You can use plants to create a striking contrast with the rocky terrain of your garden, but it’s best to limit yourself to just two or three species to keep things simple. Many cacti and desert plants make an attractive addition to xeriscape gardens, but you can also find native varieties of prairie flowers, shrubs, and more that are able to thrive in arid conditions.

  • Succulents: Plants with thick, fleshy leaves such as aloe vera can survive with minimal watering in hot, dry climates.
  • Wildflowers: Mixes of wildflowers native to different regionsof the United States are able to bloom in even dry conditions.
  • Tree aloe: A slightly larger plant, varieties of tree aloe can grow up to several feet in height and have an exotic yet simplistic appearance. Aloe trees require very little care as they grow and can cope with high summer temperatures.
  • Rosemary and thyme: Plants with small leaves lose less water throughout the day and can withstand drought conditions more easily than those with larger leaves. Herbs such as rosemary and thyme make an attractive addition to any garden that smells great and can be used in the kitchen.
  • Lavender: Another sweet-smelling plant, lavender’s silver-green leaves reflect sunlight so that they don’t dry out and wilt, allowing the plant to thrive in xeriscape gardens.

Fencing

Fences, paneling, and hedges can help you to create simple boundaries in your garden, no matter how large or small your design might be. You should limit the materials that you use, sticking to natural architecture made of stone, metal, or timber. These materials add a subtle yet striking effect that can help you to create clean lines around your garden.

If you decide to paint your fence or patio, it’s important to limit your color palette to keep up a minimalist appearance, as too many colors can overwhelm an otherwise sleek design. Neutral, calming tones create a contemporary look that works with just about any minimalist garden, helping to draw attention to the natural hues of your landscape.

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