User:Plantaetitanum/sandbox

Santiago is from Monterrey Mexico

Public perception of xeriscaping has generally been negative as many assume that that these types of landscapes are ugly or limiting. However studies have shown that education in water conservation practices in the garden can greatly improve the publics perception of xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping

Turf, Lawns and Xeriscaping

One of the major challenges to the public acceptance of xeriscaping is the cultural attachment to turf grass lawns. Originally implemented in England, lawns have become a universal symbol of prosperity, order and community In the United States turf grasses are so common that it is the single most irrigated crop by surface area, covering nearly 128,000 square kilometers. Despite the high water, fertiliser and maintenance costs associated with lawns, they has become the norm in most urban and suburban areas, even if they are rarely used for recreational purposes or otherwise. Xeriscaped landscapes offer an alternative to the over use of turf grass lawns but are not widely accepted because of preconceived notions of what it means to xeriscape. Xeriscaping can include lawn areas but seeks to reduce them to areas that will actually be used, rather than using them as a default landscaping plan.

Design Principles of Xeriscaping

Originally conceived by Denver Water, the seven design principles of xeriscaping have since expanded into simple and applicable concepts to creating landscapes that use less water. The principles are appropriate for multiple regions and can serve as a guide to creating a water conserving landscape that is regionally appropriate and since they were conceived for homeowners they are easy to implement.