Xeriscape: Perfect for the Vacation Home
Xeriscaping, sometimes referred to as xerigardening is a gardening method that eliminates or reduces supplemental watering requirements. This is typically accomplished by the use of native plants and those whose water requirements are low. Supplemented by the use of other landscape materials, such as rocks or wood to produce landscape features to showcase “unthirsty” plant life, these landscapes can be very attractive and typically require little maintenance. It’s no wonder that in our ecologically-minded modern world that xeriscaping is becoming the landscape method of choice.
When purchasing a vacation property, the choice of landscaping methods is especially important, both to lower maintenance time and costs and to increase the value of your vacation home should you decide to sell. The appearance aspects of your vacation property can truly enhance the precious time spent there and choosing a low maintenance approach will optimize your vacation experience.
Xeriscaping is perfect for your vacation home since a residence not inhabited year-round can be a disaster upon arrival of tenants due to lack of landscape maintenance. Xeriscape designs allow your yard to make full use of the natural moisture available by the use of appropriate vegetation and techniques to minimize run-off and evaporation. This minimizes the use of resources while you are away and keeps your yard looking good. Lawnmowing requirements can be the bain of many a vacation property owner, but with xeriscaping, none is required. You will never need to worry about the limitations of municipal water supplies or enforcement of codes, if these are applicable to the area of your chosen vacation spot.
The highly sustainable gardens and landscapes exemplified by xeriscapes can add just the right outdoor touches to your vacation property, no matter where it is located. Consult a cliimate and vegeation guide for your vacation area to determine which plants and designs are best for your low-maintenance xeriscape.