We have already been through Gardening as a hobby idea. But if you are a lazy bum, who hates watering the plants and you prefer minimum maintenance as far as plants are concerned, then Xeriscaping is best for you.
For X, let’s go with Xeriscaping!
Xeriscaping is the process of landscaping and maintaining a lawn with little or no water at all.’
Little or no water was utilized here.
Xeriscaping is mostly practiced in places where drought is a common factor.
If you thought Xeriscaping is all about using native plants, then you are wrong. It is all about using plants which need less water to survive.
Cacti – Important part of Xeriscaping
By dividing the landscape area into zones, like the cacti zone, succulent zone, turf zone etc it is easier to plan the watering or the irrigation system, to reduce wastage.
Cacti is not the only variety used in Xeriscaping. The Bee Blossom plant is one such option.
Bee Blossom – Xeriscaping plant
Organic Mulch can be used in Xeriscaping to retain water in the soil. After some years, the organic mulch decomposes and is useful as a natural compost. Wood chippings , wood grindings, saw dust, coconut fibre etc come under organic mulch.
Sand and gravel come under inorganic mulch and they should be used in Xeriscaping sparingly because, they have the tendency to increase the temperature by retaining heat from Sunlight! It is advisable to use more of organic mulch than inorganic one.
Low maintenance , edible purple Shamrock
Our very own desi Gulmohar tree, tamarind tree and the colourful Bougainvillea (my favourite of all, since the flowers look like they have been made from paper) can be used in desi Xeriscaping projects. Watering the plants can be done through Drip Irrigation and it is advised to not water the plants during the day, to avoid evaporation losses!
So what are you waiting for? Go to the nearest nursery, buy the required plants for your home and get started in the art of Xeriscaping!
P.S:
- The other hobbies starting with X are X-Box gaming, X– Ray Art ( art form depicting animals and humans by drawing or painting the skeletal frame and internal organs), Xylophone playing.
- Did you know that some cacti can be cooked and eaten like a normal vegetables? They produce slime while being cooked, just like Okra (Bhindi/ Ladies Finger).
In Avatar: The Last Air Bender series, Avatar Aing’s brother in law, Sokka drinks Cactus Juice and begins to hallucinate! In reality, the cacti can be slightly acidic in nature. So, consume only those which are edible after careful inspection.
4. Not only is Xeriscaping eco-friendly, but you will be helping the planet by being lazy! Too lazy to water the plants, but hero of the planet!
Ciao!