When creating a garden based on the principles of xeriscaping, it’s important to understand your garden soil types and prepare it for planting. Drainage is key, not just to allow xeriscaping plants to establish a good root system so they can seek out water when they need it, but also to allow them to cope with excessively heavy rainfall which is also a feature of the erratic weather patterns.
For example, in areas of California with very heavy clay, it’s advised to add up to 50% volcanic rock to the soil, up to 18in deep if using natives and other climate-appropriate plants. If you are planting cacti, you will need up to 70% additional drainage. Crushed stone such as granite, is a popular surface.
Designer and nursery man Sean Hogan at Cistus Nursery in Portland Oregon, favors using local stone that is ‘of the place’ for hardscaping where possible – it’s more sustainable in terms of the carbon footprint and naturally complements local planting.