Styles of Xeriscape
Native Xeriscape
Native xeriscapes require limited soil improvements; usually one cubic yard of organic matter per 1,000 square feet. These xeriscapes are constructed with rock mulches, such as ¾ inch crushed granite or road-base mixtures. Plants in native xeriscapes are usually, but not always, indigenous to the Castle Rock area. Native plants will require 5 to 10 inches or less of irrigation per growing season. Many of these tough xeriscape plants will establish with supplemental irrigation which can be removed after two growing seasons. After establishment, native xeriscapes should be watered only during the months of July and August, as well as during drought years. Plant combinations might include Pinon Pines accented in front by Rabbit Brush and Russian Sage.
Cottage Garden
Cottage garden xeriscape soils are improved with three cubic yards of organic matter per 1,000 square feet rototilled to a depth of six inches. Mulches are usually organic, such as bark chips or shredded cedar. Water amounts for this type of xeriscape range between 12 and 15 inches per growing season. Cottage gardens usually contain a greater diversity of flowering plants than other types of xeriscapes. Plant combinations for a Cottage Garden xeriscape might include Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass accented in front by flowering Meidiland shrub roses or a variety of flowering perennials such as Coneflower, Yarrow, Gayfeather and May Night Sage.
Alternative Turf
An alternative turf xeriscape has the potential to save a significant amount of water. Use of very low water-requiring native grasses such as Buffalo, or Blue Grama, can reduce seasonal irrigation by 70 percent. Other grasses such as Canadian Blue Fescue and Crested Wheatgrass blends can save slightly more than 50 percent of the amount of water used to irrigate Kentucky bluegrass lawns.
Mountain Xeriscape
Mountain xeriscapes use plants that are adapted to elevations above 6,500 feet above sea level. Castle Rock has many subdivisions at or above this elevation (e.g. Sapphire Point, Founders Village and Castle Wood Ranch). Soils should be improved by the addition of two cubic yards of organic matter per 1,000 square feet rototilled to a minimum depth of four inches. Mulches can be organic (shredded cedar or bark chips) or inorganic (rock less than one inch in diameter). Turf areas are minimized and Rocky Mountain Meadow seed mixes are used as alternatives to formal turf. Plant combinations might include the native Ponderosa Pine planted with Aspen trees, accented in front by shrubby cinquefoil.
Informal Xeriscape
Informal xeriscapes have large relaxed swaths of color and plants in casual groupings. Plants are usually combined in patterns with hardscape, such as a patio or pathway. Water savings can be as much as 50 to 70 percent compared to a Kentucky bluegrass lawn. Organic amendments for an informal xeriscape range from three to four cubic yards of organic matter per 1,000 square feet. This amendment should be rototilled into a depth of four to six inches deep.
The Plant List includes many more varieties for each of these Styles of Xeriscape.
