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

247 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Peter Herrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

High quality pics and stuff

[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.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was looking for! All trees/shrubs/plants that will do well in Saskatchewan with little care. Which ones sucker and spread like crazy and which ones don't. Excellent information.

[Suzanne V · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This in-depth book answered my questions on mulching, composting, and trees, shrubs and flowers to add to our yard. I have used plantings and mulching to eliminate use of a grass whip around trees and borders since I read the first version written in 1997. There is an excellent chapter on upgrading a farm yard design. The suggestions and photographs are inspirational and include the variety of plants suitable for a prairie landscape. Things I learnt were: use of rocks as ground cover tends to be zeroscaping rather than xeriscaping! Grass is not intended to grow under spruce trees. Use grass clippings under peat moss so the peat moss doesn't leach moisture from the soil. Mulch to a depth of 4 inches.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

not what i was expecting,

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent book for anyone on the Canadian prairies. very informative and the plants listed are actually plants that might grow here. :)