My sister came to visit last weekend and we did one of our favorite things. We went plant shopping at Echter’s in Arvada, CO. I love Echter’s!
Three years ago, I didn’t know the difference between an annual and a perennial. Today I go to a garden center and want to take home one of everything. My sister just laughs at me and reminds me that three years ago, when we began planning the xeriscaping of my backyard, I told her that I didn’t want too many plants to take care of. I didn’t realize that a year later I would be addicted to gardening and buying more things to plant in the yard.
In order to xeriscape my backyard, I first had to submit a plan and have it approved by my homeowner’s association. I thought it seemed rather strange that in Colorado, where summers are very dry and water restrictions always seem to be the norm, that it was perfectly fine with the homeowners association if you planted grass, but xeriscaping had to be approved. My sister explained to me that it was probably because to some, xeriscape means zero scape – filling your yard with rock and calling it xeriscape. For us, xeriscaping had more to do with placement of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. Placing the deciduous trees and shrubs where they would shade the house and patio from the summer sun, but let the sun shine through in winter, thus saving on utilities. Placing the plants and shrubs that need a little more water together and near the down spout. Placing the very xeric plants in the sunniest and driest spots in the yard. My sister and I did all of it ourselves except for the planting of 4 of the trees. I had some great arms by the end of that year. The result was beautiful, practical and every time I look at the small forest growing in my backyard it makes me smile. The birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and bunnies love it too. Plus, the amazing thing is that it doesn’t require a whole lot of maintenance. However, I may need to tear out some of the patio to make room for more plants. Just kidding. Sort of.
