Xeriscape Garden

(Low water use garden)

Xeriscape is an American term derived from the Greek word “xeros” meaning dry and “scape” from
the word “landscape”. It was first coined by the Denver Water Board of Denver, Colorado in 1978. It
is a method of landscaping that can be applied to any garden or landscaping style and does not mean
that water cannot be used as a feature. A fountain or pond designed to be water efficient and using a
recirculating pump will use very little water and bring added interest to the garden. Gardens can be
formal or informal, modern or traditional and can be designed for individual requirements and local
conditions.

‘It has been estimated that proper planting lowers air temperature in summer by as much as ten
degrees centigrade and ground temperature by three times as much, reducing the heat load into the
home by more than 70%. One big oak tree can provide as much cooling as five domestic air
conditioners, and evergreens are equally efficient at protecting the home from cold winter winds.’ 1

The principles of Xeriscape gardening are based on sound horticultural principles and can be used to
save water in new or established gardens. If the Xeriscape principles are followed, maintenance of
your garden will be reduced with fewer weeds, less water and fertiliser.

Trees
Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Pyrus ussuriensis Manchurian Pear
Ginkgo biloba Maiden Hair Tree Arbutus unedo Irish Strawberry Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata Golden Rain Tree Ceratonia siliqua Carob
Lagunaria patersonii Norfolk Is. Hibiscus Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm
Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak Callitris preissii Native Pine

Shrubs
Leptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea-tree Melaleuca huegelii Chenille Honey myrtle
Alyogyne huegelii Native Hibiscus Viburnum tinus Laurustinus
Abelia grandiflora Glossy Abelia
Westringia fruticosa Coastal Rosemary Cistus spp. Rock Rose
Templetonia retusa Cockies Tongue Euonymus japonicus Japanese Spindle
Calocephalus brownii Cushion Bush Grevillea spp. Grevillea
Olearia phlogopappa Dusty Daisy Bush Artemisia spp. Wormwood
Eremophila spp. Emu Bush Gossypium sturtianum Sturts Desert Rose
Agave spp. Agave Aloe spp. Aloe
Crassula spp. Crassula Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush
Lavandula spp. Lavender Salvia spp. Salvia
Agapanthus spp. Agapanthus Dietes spp. Wild Iris
Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Kniphofia spp. Red Hot Pokers

Groundcovers
Kunzea pomifera Muntries Myoporum parvifolium Creeping Boobiala
Atriplex rhagodioides Silver Saltbush Sollya heterophylla Bluebell creeper

1. Quote from ‘Mice Don’t Like Spearmint’ by Margaret Knight. 1990