By Kelly Weston, Native Landscapes, a printable PDF version is available here.

According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, “Xeriscape is a style of landscape design requiring little or no irrigation or other maintenance, used in arid regions”. 'Xeros' means 'dry' in Greek.

“Xeriscape is a method of landscaping that promotes water conservation. Rather than a specific look or a limited group of plants, Xeriscape is a combination of seven basic landscaping principles.”

These principles are explained in the order you would follow to install the best landscape. Each principle must be considered during the planning and design phase, but the sequence of installation is also very important in assuring a successful Xeriscape.”