There are reasons why xeriscaping will not necessarily benefit the people of California handle water shortages. One of the major aspects is that the choice of plants used is rather limited in California. Clearly, different geographical parts are recipients of different levels of moisture, wind and light. As a way of minimize wastage of water, grouping together of plants that have similar requirements for light and water and putting them in areas which match the requirements is beneficial (Saddleback 15). However, Budget constrictions may lower the necessary flexibility in xeriscaping, as periodic maintenance will be needed in pruning and deadheading.
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On the other hand, organic matter including compost and manure will be affected by this practice. Compost is food for mycorrhizae, a beneficial type of fungi, which extends the plant roots reach up to 700 times as a way of increasing water absorption (Bennett 22). The ideal aspects of xeriscaping will require that the soils have increasing a considerable amount of organic material and keep it sufficiently aerated., unless the xeriscaping used in California has many cacti and succulents, compost is an ideal organic additive.
It is also difficult to establish shade of other plants or downspouts low-lying drainage areas to put plants of moderate-water-use in. Turf will typically need more water while perennial beds require half the water amounts approximately. The other challenge facing xeriscaping in California is the fact that plants, which are sparingly watered. These are not in a position of filling in fast enough like plants, which receive ample water (Ellefson & Winger, 10). A way of reducing this impact is ample watering in the first session to achieve a faster fill-in and later reducing the watering habit in subsequent sessions.
Works Cited:
Bennett J., Dry-land gardening: a xeriscaping guide for dry-summer, cold-winter climates. New York: Firefly Books. 1998. Pp 15-52. Print
Ellefson C., Winger D., Xeriscape Colorado: The Complete Guide. New York: Westcliffe Publishers. 2004. Pp 10-65. Print
Saddleback, Water Conservation. New York: Saddleback Educational Publ. 2009. Pp 15-99. Print
