Xeriscaping On A Slope

While all the plants in this design are xeric and zoned for our area, they're not the only thing that makes this design a xeriscaping design. Xeriscaping isn't just about what plants you use.

In this picture you can see the existing slope, terracing, and get an idea of what the slope use to be. There is still a slope. However, with terracing, we've created somewhat more level areas for the landscaping plants. This will make sure that water will saturate the root areas and not just runoff down the hill. Addressing slope, drainage, and run off are considerations for xeriscaping.

Grouping plants with the same water needs is another consideration for xeriscaping. In this design, instead of grouping the plants together, we've configured the drip sprinkler system under the decorative rock to water the plants accordingly.

The main line of the drip system is half inch poly tube positioned over the planted landscaping. The feeders for each individual plant are metered lock cap emitters set for 1, 2, and 4 gallons per hour.

Most of the plants have one-2 gallon per hour emitter. The Red Tip Yucca has one-1 gallon per hour emitter. And the Chitalpa tree has two-4 gallon per hour emitters. So, even being on the same feeder watered for the same amount of time, the different plants are "grouped" accordingly to their water needs.

To view more pictures of this design, return to landscaping a circular driveway on a slope. You may also want to see landscaping on a slope or hillside for several more examples from other designers.