Designing a landscape that is both beautiful and drought-resistant can be a challenge, but it's an important one. With water resources becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the country, it's essential to create a landscape that is water-efficient and sustainable. In this article, we'll share some tips and ideas for creating a beautiful and drought-resistant landscape that will not only save water but also enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.

Choose native plants

One of the most important steps in designing a drought-resistant landscape is to choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. Native plants are an excellent choice because they are adapted to the local environment and are often more drought-resistant than non-native species. They also require less maintenance and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. At Landscape Specialists we work together with Cheyenne Tree Farms, as they have been around since the 1980’s providing plant material across Alberta.

Group Plants With Similar Water Needs

When designing your landscape, group plants with similar water needs together. This helps to ensure that each plant receives the appropriate amount of water and reduces water waste. For example, you could group succulents and cacti together in a dry, sunny area, while grouping ferns and other moisture-loving plants together in a shady, moist area.

Use Mulch

Another essential element in a drought-resistant landscape is mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reduces evaporation, and suppresses weeds. It also helps to keep soil temperatures more consistent, which is important for plant health. Organic mulches, such as bark or compost, can also improve soil quality and increase its ability to hold water.

Incorporate Hardscaping Elements

Hardscaping elements, such as stone or gravel, can be used to reduce the amount of irrigated turf in your landscape. They also provide visual interest and can help to define different areas of your outdoor space. For example, you could use a gravel pathway to create a low-maintenance walkway or a stone wall to create a natural-looking border.

Install a Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system is an excellent way to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing water waste and ensuring that water is delivered where it is needed most. Drip irrigation also helps to reduce the risk of plant disease and encourages deeper root growth, which is important for plant health.

Use Soil Amendments

Soil amendments, such as compost, can improve soil structure and increase its ability to hold water. Compost also adds nutrients to the soil, which can improve plant growth and health. Adding soil amendments to your landscape is an easy way to make your plants more drought-resistant and reduce your water usage.

Consider reducing your lawn

Consider reducing the size of your lawn or replacing it with a more drought-resistant ground cover or ornamental grasses. This can significantly reduce your water usage and create a more visually interesting landscape. For example, you could replace your lawn with a low-maintenance groundcover, such as creeping thyme or sedum, or plant ornamental grasses for a natural-looking border.

Designing a beautiful and drought-resistant landscape requires careful planning and consideration. By choosing native plants, grouping plants with similar water needs, using mulch, incorporating hardscaping elements, installing a drip irrigation system, using soil amendments, and reducing your lawn, you can create a water-efficient and sustainable landscape that will enhance the beauty of your outdoor space for years to come.