The Xeric

Two years ago, I helped this client create her dream backyard by removing all the grass and adding container gardens for veggies, and a lush perennial garden. The result? There was more time to enjoy “gardening her way” instead of hours of yard maintenance. This spring, I received a text which simply said, “I want to xeriscape my front yard. Can I hire you?” And she did.

We decided to maintain the existing plants that were doing well close to the porch and add in a number of colorful drought tolerant and native plants that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. First, all grass was removed and the ground sat for a few weeks in preparation. Then pink moss boulders were moved across the driveway where the neighbor’s property already had pink rock in place. Different boulders that blended better with the architecture and palette of the home were purchased locally and intentionally placed. While this was happening, the client and I were working on plant selection virtually using my online gallery. After her approval, I purchased and placed the plants and had soil amendments delivered. The client’s family dug the holes, amended the soil, and planted their new garden over the course of two full days. An independent contractor immediately installed irrigation and spread the rock mulch. This installation took a total of six days. It was an investment of both time and money, however, now she can sell her mower and sip coffee on her porch admiring the pollinators that come to visit from May until October.