Xeriscaping Your Yard in Calgary Xeriscaping might sound like a complex term, but it’s quite straightforward. According to Wikipedia, “Xeriscaping is the process of landscaping or gardening that minimizes or eliminates the need for additional water through irrigation.” In simpler terms, xeriscaping means you’ll significantly reduce, if not completely remove, the need for watering your yard. But the big question is: can you truly eliminate the need for manual or automated watering in a place like Calgary? Achieving a fully xeriscaped yard can be challenging in Calgary due to its unpredictable rainfall and climate. Xeriscaping is more common in regions where drought-tolerant plants thrive naturally and require little water, something Calgary’s climate doesn’t fully support.
The Role of Plants in Xeriscaping Calgary Yards
Selecting the right drought-resistant plants is crucial for successful xeriscaping in Calgary. A wide variety of shrubs and ornamental grasses can thrive in Calgary’s conditions with little water. Ornamental grasses, in particular, are an excellent option for Canadian climates. Varieties like Karl Foerster feather reed grass, Overdam grass, Fescue grass, and Blue oat grass not only withstand dry spells but also add vibrant color and texture to your landscape through every season.
We’ve used these grasses in Calgary landscapes for many years, and they’ve proven their resilience even in drier-than-usual summers. Besides grasses, native shrubs such as Dogwoods and Saskatoons are excellent choices. Dogwoods come in various leaf and branch colors, providing a unique look to your xeriscaped garden. Varieties like Yellow Twig, Variegated Dogwood, and Red Twig Dogwood are quite drought-resistant but may need a bit of water during particularly dry summers.
Saskatoons, found growing naturally in places like Fish Creek and Glenmore Park, are another hardy shrub that needs very little water. If you’re looking to harvest a large crop of Saskatoon berries, some hand watering may be required. Other drought-tolerant shrubs to consider include Cotoneaster, Juniper varieties, and Spirea. Keep in mind that all new plantings, no matter how drought-resistant, will need regular watering initially to establish strong root systems. Once established, you can gradually reduce or even stop watering altogether.
Choosing Local Perennials for Your Xeriscape
Incorporating local, hardy perennials into your xeriscaping design is a fantastic way to add color and texture while preserving moisture in the soil. Perennials can be used as focal points or ground cover, helping to retain water in garden beds. However, it’s important not to plant perennials in areas covered by landscape fabric, rocks, or mulch, as these materials can block the growth of new shoots in spring. For best results, plant perennials in separate beds away from any mulch or fabric-covered areas.
Some great Alberta-friendly perennials include Limelight Sage, Variegated Mugwort, Kinnikinnick (Bearberry), Prairie Smoke Avens, Prairie Crocus, Giant Goat’s Beard, Silver Brocade, Joe Pye Weed, Native Ostrich Fern, Evening Primrose, and Bunchberry.
Finishing Your Xeriscape with Mulch
A key step in creating a successful xeriscape in Calgary is using mulch to protect your plants and soil. Mulch helps retain moisture, shields the soil from the sun, and reduces the need for watering. There are many types of mulch to choose from, including cedar mulch or foothills mulch for organic options, and rundle rock, rainbow rock, or pea gravel for stone mulches. Adding a layer of high-quality landscape fabric beneath the mulch can further reduce evaporation, preserve soil moisture, and protect your plants from Calgary’s harsh winters.
The combination of fabric and mulch also works as an effective weed barrier. By keeping weeds at bay, you’ll prevent them from competing with your plants for water and nutrients. Weeds can quickly drain the soil, putting your xeriscaped plants at risk. If you’re aiming for a truly low-maintenance xeriscape, mulch is essential for long-term success.
While xeriscaping your yard in Calgary comes with its challenges, it’s well worth the effort if you’re looking to create a sustainable, water-efficient landscape.
