A secondary benefit is that plants with low water requirements are frequently adapted to the alkaline soils characteristic of New Mexico and other dry regions. Landscapes using these water-efficient plants are often called xeriscapes. The concept of xeriscape was developed in Denver, Colorado, in response to water shortages. Xeriscape refers to a landscape that uses little supplemental water. Like traditional landscapes, a xeriscape may be designed to minimize labor or to require frequent care.
Many people appreciate beautiful landscapes, but have limited time to spend tending a garden.
By using plants that are well adapted, mulches that suppress weeds and conserve water, and drip irrigation to make the most use of water, these landscapes can have color and fragrance with only monthly or seasonal gardening chores. Gardeners who like to spend time in the garden can design a xeriscape to be as labor intensive as a highly maintained traditional garden, but use much less water. There is a xeriscape for every gardener. Xeriscape is not a landscape style or garden design. Xeriscape is a concept of water conservation that may be applied to landscapes of any style, from traditional to English, Japanese, Southwestern, and others.