Rural xeriscapes tend to focus on creating better micro-climates around the house. This example is suitable
for many of our Palouse, West Plains, and Prairie homes. Although the same principles
apply to these landscapes, these rural xeriscapes are much larger than a
typical urban lot and more exposed to the elements so more attention is focused
on water conservation and reduced maintenance.
Mass plantings are used to define the more intensive spaces
around the house. In this case, a mown drought-tolerant
fescue/bluegrass blend turf is framed by large planting beds.
Irrigation is only supplied for the
inner area of turf and shrub. Outside of this is a native blend of grasses and
forbs suited to a non-irrigated environment.
Evergreen trees are located at the northwest corner of the
site to block cold winter winds, while other areas receive deciduous trees to
provide shade in the summer, but allow winter sun to warm the house. Trees can
be carefully placed to frame views to distant mountains or valleys. Each tree is located in a shrub bed to
minimize the need to weed around the tree and rake leaves from the grass in the
fall.
A: Black Hills Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, Lodgepole Pine
B: Ornamental Grasses such as Blue Fescue, Ribbon Grass,
Feathered Reed Grass, Bromegrass, and Blue Lyme Grass
C: Smooth Sumac, Staghorn Sumac, or a flowering Cherry for
visual interest from the patio.
D: Spreading Juniper
E: Maple and Oak – large shade trees
F: Mountain Fire Pieris, Globe Caragana, Contoneaster,
G: Aspen or Birch grove - in low lying spots that collect
water only.
H: Mugo Pines (not dwarf varieties)
I: Green Ash
J: Lavender and Sage, or Flower Beds – used to provide
colorful accents
K: Blue Oat Grass
L: Lemonade Sumac or Lilac
M: Potentilla
N: Perennials such as Yarrow, Silver King, Tansy,
Cornflower, Snow-in-summer, Poppies, Daylily, Blue Flax, Bishop’s Weed, and
Goldenrod
O: Dryland
grass blends. Available from several local nurseries and seed
suppliers.