Xeriscape™ Garden at Eastridge
Over the past year, the Xeriscape garden has become one of the most beautiful focal points at Eastridge. We continue to improve this garden by adding all new plant identification signage and including plants that are more “ice melt” tolerant. Xeriscape is landscaping in a way that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. Plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. If you are interested in starting your own Xeriscape Garden, see this list of plants currently in the Eastridge Xeriscape Garden: Plant List.
Xeriscape Advantages:
Lower water consumption • Less time and work for maintenance • Little or no lawn mowing (saves energy) • Take full advantage of rainfall • When water restrictions are implemented, Xeriscape plants tend to survive.
The HRCA Supports Xeriscape™ Landscaping!
The HRCA’s Residential Improvement Guidelines (RIGs) and Site Restrictions permit homeowners to Xeriscape their properties. The RIGs state that Architectural Committee approval is required for Xeriscape projects only if a homeowner is proposing landscaping that contains less than 50 percent sod in the front or rear yards or a side yard wider than 15 feet. Using drought tolerant plantings and other water conservation methods of landscaping is encouraged.
A well designed Xeriscape can provide year round color and texture. What’s more, Xeriscape can save money, time, and most of all, water!
For more information on Xeriscape landscaping, visit these Web sites:
Check Out Highlands Ranch’s Xeriscape Demonstration Garden! The HRCA, Arapahoe Acres Nursery and Centennial Water and Sanitation District, worked together to develop the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at the Recreation Center at Eastridge to educate the Highlands Ranch community about Xeriscape. The installation of the Xeriscape Garden was a team effort between Arapahoe Acres Nursery and Grandview Landscaping, and is divided into four zones, each highlighting a different level of Xeriscape plant. Every zone includes drought tolerant annuals, perennials, shrubs and grasses that homeowners can find at any garden center (eventually every plant will be labeled). The garden also includes three examples of drought tolerant turf and one area of traditional bluegrass, allowing homeowners to compare the “look”.
For more information about Xeriscape, contact the HRCA at 303-791-8958.
Xeriscape is a registered trademark of Denver Water and is used here with permission.