Xeric Garden Projects

Adding Value to your Property, Garden and Home

It’s estimated that landscaping, including patios, decks, paths and gazebos, as well as carefully chosen low maintenance plantings can add a dollar value of over 15% to the value of your house, and you can recoup up to 80% of the cost of the project when you sell.

Even if you have no immediate plans to sell your house, simply enjoying the plantings as they mature can make you money in the long term.

After kitchen and bathroom remodels, curb appeal is a top feature for home purchasers.

With ever more emphasis on xeriscaping and lowering our carbon impact, green landscaping has never been more popular.

Some of the best xeric garden projects are those that add even more value as plants fill in and soften, but simply cramming in plants without some care for their ultimate height and spread is a recipe for more hard work in a few years.

the xeric garden in July

Good landscaping has correctly spaced plants, and some sacrificial species which can be relocated as other more desirable ones fill in.

Choice of plants is best based on their preference of soil type and moisture requirements, so all parts of the garden can be dealt with as a whole cohesive unit.

Any plants that require certain conditions such as more water, special soil or other considerations won’t add much to the landscape and are better planted in containers or a rain garden where they can receive more customized care.

a rock wall project

Best Xeric Garden Projects

Rock retaining walls to terrace a steep slope, making more flat areas to grow plants, prevent soil erosion and conserve water are a good place to start.

a pond in the xeric garden

Water capture projects such as swales and berms are best done early in the construction phase as they require serious earth moving. Ponds are the most popular of all xeric garden projects that homeowners undertake; however if a real water feature is not possible, how about a dry streambed?

a dry streambed gives the illusion of running water

Pathways and patios:

Bricks, pavers and walkways using other techniques such as soil cement lend themselves to projects on a small scale. Many landscapers will tackle larger projects for you, and can give you a quote.

Gazebos and pergolas – adding height to the garden also creates another dimension. A vertical focal point to grow vines on or for shaded seating adds value to guests and visitors with a romantic place to pause.

Thyme lawns are best planted in the early fall after the heat of summer is over. This is a perfect project to prepare for through the dryer months.

Once planted, the thyme plants will establish their root systems in the cooler days and autumn rains. Filling in over the next few seasons, this fairly long term project pays huge dividends in added value, as well as less maintenance.

Your xeric garden projects can be incorporated over time – one or two projects of this scale per season makes improving the beauty - and the value - of your xeric garden an achievable goal.

a simple xeric garden project – a Japanese lantern or inukshuk which only improves with time.

Do you have a favorite Xeric Garden?

Botanic gardens, your own xeric garden project, the neighbors house down the street with its superb xeriscaping, or even a public building with great dry landscaping ideas - we want to know about it.

go to Drought Smart Plants home page

Xeric Gardens

Landscape Design Ideas

Landscaping Plans