Xeriscape - Desert Landscaping

From Civano Magazine

Resources for going green are available in the desert as well. Xeriscape is an integrated approach to landscaping that saves water. The cornerstones of xeriscape are the seven basic principles that act as strategies for controlling landscape water use:

Civano is a mixed-use community in Tucson, Arizona that has used the principles of xeriscape. The goals of Civano have been to connect people to each other, and to their environment, instead of simply maximizing short-term profits by increasing building lot counts. All sustainable development planning principles require an analysis that incorporates the social, environmental, and economic impact of a development.

Xeriscape principles, combined with a sustainable design, have resulted in a pedestrian-friendly community with tree-lined streets.

In fact, during pre-construction, the developer in conjunction with the Civano nursery, salvaged fifty desert trees and plants for every acre developed. During construction hundreds of palo verde and mesquite trees were successfully relocated into the earth of Civano. This transplanting of native trees and vegetation protects wildlife and helps preserve the food chain. It is an issue of balancing human needs with the natural environment.

In Civano, passive solar shading, permaculture, and water harvesting techniques have also been used to further show respect for the desert and the creatures that dwell in the desert.