B-1143R

Revised August 2020

Karen Panter, Extension Horticulture Specialist, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming

Landscaping:

Water-Wise
Wyoming Gardens

Many areas in Wyoming are high-elevation deserts, and some areas receive less than 10 inches of precipitation each year. This makes landscape water management a necessity rather than an option.

In the landscape there are all sorts of wonderful plant types from annuals to evergreens that do not require much water. For plants that require a bit more irrigation, there are watering systems and mulches available to keep water in the soil where plants need it.

Years ago, Denver Water coined the term “xeriscape” to denote landscaping with low-water-using plant material. (No, it is not pronounced “zeroscape.”) Unfortunately, many people think this means using gravel and cactus, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Others have used the term “water wise.” Either way, there is a definite process involved in landscaping to cut down on irrigation needs.

There are seven steps involved in setting up a water-wise landscape or xeriscape. These steps are, briefly: 1) developing a landscape plan, 2) reducing turf areas, 3) improving the soil, 4) selecting appropriate plants, 5) mulching the soil, 6) irrigating efficiently, and 7) maintaining properly. Always keep in mind that any new perennial plantings will require consistent moisture until they are established (usually two to three years, depending on the plant), especially during the winter.

STEP 1 – DEVELOPING A LANDSCAPE PLAN

Spend some time planning and designing on paper. Analyze the site, taking into account existing structures, other plants, shade, sun, wind exposure, and neighbors. Then decide what areas are needed — turf area for kids, a vegetable garden, a center for entertaining, or a dog zone.

STEP 2 – LIMITING TURF AREAS

Note that this does not say eliminate turf areas. For areas with little or no foot traffic, consider groundcovers such as carpet bugle (see Ground Covers, page 7). For heavily used areas, consider mixtures of turfgrasses. For areas that may be tough to maintain and mow, consider perennial ornamental grasses. Some alternative turfgrasses are possibilities, depending on the altitude. Perennial flower beds or tree and shrub additions are also appropriate. Even hardscapes such as patios, walks, and decks should be considered.

Keep in mind that turf areas help to cool down the environment, soften the landscape, use carbon dioxide, and provide essential oxygen. Using rock or gravel mulch near a home may result in heating the area. Any savings in water might be offset by air conditioning costs inside.

STEP 3 – SELECTING AND ZONING PLANTS APPROPRIATELY

Put the right plants in the right places. Group plants with similar water requirements together to make irrigation simpler and more efficient. Look for microclimates around structures. Every yard or landscape will have shady areas that stay moister than south or west-facing zones. In Wyoming there is the potential for windy spots, too. Group low-water-use plants together, those that require moderate watering together in an- other area, and those plants that require consistent watering and are high water users in yet another spot. Then irrigate each area accordingly.

STEP 4 – IMPROVING THE SOIL

This is probably the most important step in any landscaping, xeriscaped or otherwise. Before most plants are put in the ground, good-quality organic matter should usually be added. (Exceptions may exist for plants that are native to Wyoming; many of these require little soil improvement if any.) Put a layer about two inches thick on the area to be planted and then till or spade it in to a depth of about six inches. Also, core aerate lawn areas at least once a year. Avoid aerating in hot, summer months, though, in order to reduce evaporation from newly exposed soil. Core aeration allows better water and air penetration to the grass root systems. Leave the cores on

the turf since they will add nutrients and organic matter back to the area as they break down.

STEP 5 – USING MULCHES

This is arguably the second most important step in landscaping. Good-quality organic mulches (bark, straw, etc.) keep moisture in the soil, minimize evaporation, moderate soil temperatures, mitigate freeze/thaw damage, and add organic matter back into the soil as they decompose. They also help prevent weed seeds from germinating. One problem with organic mulches, however, is that they are prone to blowing away in windy areas. Inorganic mulches (gravel, rock, etc.) can also be used but tend to get hot and warm up the surrounding area. The type that should be used (inorganic or organic) depends on the landscape design and the long-term goals for the area.

STEP 6 – IRRIGATING EFFICIENTLY

Note that this does not say “stop watering.” Water according to area and plant type as well as weather patterns. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses where possible for annuals, perennials, and vegetables. Other types of watering systems should be used for large trees and shrubs as well as turf areas. These can include overhead sprinklers and automatic systems. If the sprinklers are on an automatic-timer system, remember

to change the clock according to the weather and season. “Set and forget” is too common and is not appropriate. Whatever system is used, make sure it is functioning properly and is not clogged or split or leaking. Another important point is to irrigate at night or early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

STEP 7 – MAINTAINING PROPERLY

A no-maintenance landscape is almost nonexistent, but low maintenance is possible, depending on the plant material. Some xeriscape or water-wise gardens may need as much maintenance as a more traditional garden. Such routine tasks as weeding, deadheading, fertilizing, and occasional mowing may still need to be done.

Here are some suggestions for water-wise plant materials from trees to annuals and even a few shade plants.

Issued in furtherance of extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Kelly Crane, director, University of Wyoming Extension, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071. • The University’s policy has been, and will continue to be, one of nondiscrimination, offering equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without regard to such matters as race, sex, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political belief, or other status protected by state and federal statutes or University Regulations.

B-1143R

Revised August 2020

Karen Panter, Extension Horticulture Specialist, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming

Editor: Katie Shockley, University of Wyoming Extension

Design: Tanya Engel, University of Wyoming Extension

Originally published December 2003. Karen Panter, Extension Horticulture Specialist, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming

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