Page 20 - Cornwall Issue 3 2025

GARDENING

Water xeriscaping Krantz Aloe

XERISCAPING EXPLAINED environments such as reduced leaf size,
Pronounced zeer-e-skay-ping, this creative far-ranging or deep root systems for
gardening technique is less of a mouthful penetrating soil in search of water.
than it sounds. Simply put, it is intentionally
designing a landscape to minimise GUIDELINES TO SUCCESSFUL
watering, reduce maintenance and optimise XERISCAPING
a garden’s seasonal longevity. A common Follow these pointers to create a modern,
misconception is that this method is all environmentally sustainable and low
about cacti, succulents and gravel, but in maintenance garden feature or entrance: TOP PLANT PICKS FOR
fact there is much more to it. Marionette • begin by deciding on the look and theme XERISCAPING
Hoffman from Plant Paradise in Pretoria you want and then assess the current Spekboom, Golden Sedum, Whale’s
explains: “This new ‘lock up and go’ plants in your garden. Remove thirsty plants Tongue Agave, Jelly Bean Plant,
movement encourages people to opt for and keep the drought-hardy, xeric ones; Verbena species, Rosemary, Blue
this style as it provides a beautiful garden • decide on a focal point and see which Fescue grass, African Daisy, Desert
with lots of colour but less maintenance. existing pots or features will work with the Spoon, Madagascar Palm, Tree Aloe.
new design. Keep it simple and minimalistic
Jargon check: Xeric plants are those which for great impact; In smaller gardens, make use of
have developed a number of possible • accessorise focal points with grinding smaller xeric plants that are still
strategies for coping with low moisture stones, large rocks, water features, pots, colourful enough to make a strong
statues or wall art; impact. Go for bigger pots where a
• always work with height
at the back and shorter mixture of succulents can be planted
plants or décor towards for a pop of colour.
the front. Go for structure
and minimalism;
• choose different three different pot heights;
structures such as wood, • a high quality weed guard (not plastic) is
steel and concrete essential, and will contribute to moisture
together with plants to retention in the soil. It will also help to
make an impact; prevent soil erosion;
• if your style is more • any soil covering or mulching is also a
formal, work with must to protect the roots of plants, help
symmetry and even with moisture retention and attract insects
numbers like twos or and wildlife;
fours. For more informal • plant low maintenance plants that are
gardens, work with odd hardy, evergreen and remain neat in winter
Good quality weed guard sheeting numbers, for instance and summer.

18 2 Cornwall View • Issue 3 2025