Creating the Prairie Xeriscape: Low-maintenance, Water-efficient Gardening

by Sara Williams

Create a yard that is pleasing in design and usefulness, yet low in maintenance and not another threat to our fragile environment. Everything you need to know about xeriscaping.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference

247 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 1997

Reviews

[Deodand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rather site-specific book but I'm in the defined area, so it was full of useful information to me. I've always had an eye towards water conservation in my garden plan and I was glad to see many cultivars I've used recommended. I am learning more about xeriscaping in anticipation of my next home, which will be built for us some years down the road. It will be good to apply xeriscaping principles from the site design forward, instead of having to undo the work of others, as I am now.

Here are a few pieces of advice I quite agreed with:

1. Let your spruce trees keep their lowest branches, as is their natural habit. People love to lop them off for all kinds of reasons and it's hard on the tree.

2. Don't try to grow grass under a tree - it's a waste of time and energy.

3. Rocks don't make good mulch.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book, and much smarter way of doing things.