Xeriscaping

My neighborhood is one of well-kept lawns, and neatly maintained flower beds.  It’s the rare home that deviates from this impeccable standard.  Though as soon as spring brings slightly more be-outside-all-day-planting friendly temperatures, my house may just become a stand-out on the block.  The idea of xeriscaping is being bandied about, for a few reasons.  For one, I live in an area where water just isn’t a plentiful commodity.  Sure, it may seem like a tropical paradise, with all the emerald green lawns, and swaying palm trees.  But left to its own devices, it’s a somewhat thirsty place.  So, saving water where I can would be helpful, not just to the water supply, but also to my checking account.  (Having been a renter for ages, that water bill takes some getting used to!)

Creating a drought-tolerant landscape is much lovelier than it used to be.  There are some beautiful, unusual plants available, and to stand out from my neighbors may not be such a bad thing.  Once my delightfully generous mother got wind of the plan, she started giving them as gifts.  Great colors, interesting shapes, and fun names.  Chocolate soldier?  Never heard of it, and now I have one.

Have any favorite succulents that simply must be part of the design?  Let me know, and I’ll throw ‘em into the mix.