What is a xeriscape landscape design?

A xeriscape landscape design reduces the need for supplemental watering through the use of drought tolerant plant species. Native prairie vegetation and some succulents and cacti are all xeriscape plant groups appropriate for our area. Plants in these groups have evolved in nature, where they developed characteristics, such as deep roots or a thick, waxy skin, which enabled them to use water efficiently and resulted in a hardy, low maintenance nature.

Although these plant types are more varied in appearance than the groomed turf grasses and pruned shrubs we’re used to, they can be incorporated into the landscape design in an aesthetically pleasing way. In addition to providing visual interest and variety, inclusion of these plants in our landscape design enables us to take advantage of the characteristics which save water, lower maintenance time and reduce costs.

For these reasons, the City is incorporating xeriscape concepts and native prairie plant types in many public areas such as the new Rain to Recreation projects, park designs, roadway projects and even at City Hall. A good example of a xeriscape landscape design is the Na Nex Se statue garden (just east of the main City Hall entry). This garden contains native plants used in an ornamental way, much as you might use them in a residential landscape. Prairie Dropseed, a low growing, clumping type, native grass with a beautiful fall color, was selected for use in front of the statue and flower area. Indian Grass was selected to form the back drop for the statue due to the taller ornamental plumes it produces. Visiting this garden may give you ideas for the incorporation of native prairie plants in the landscape design for your home, school or church.

In order to encourage the application of xeriscape principles within the city, the City of Lenexa recently adopted new code language to address Native Vegetation and define the requirements for the implementation of xeriscape concepts and native plantings in home landscapes. Homeowner’s wishing to implement a xeriscape / native plant landscape must develop a landscape planting design plan and landscape maintenance plan. Plans must be submitted to and approved by the Planning and Development Department prior to installation. These requirements will ensure appropriate application, plant selection and design within the neighborhood setting and provide protection for the individual homeowners’ investment in landscaping.

The City is already taking advantage of these and other native plant characteristics in many of the new RAIN TO RECREATION projects. These projects incorporate native prairie, savanna and wetland vegetation types which play key roles in achieving project goals of flood control, improved water and environmental quality and increase recreational opportunities. The deep roots of native plants increase infiltration of rain water, thereby reducing runoff which contributes to flooding, water quality is improved through soil stabilization and the filtering of rain water before it flows into streams, environmental quality is improved through the restoration of habitat and recreational opportunities are increase through the development of trails, lakes and stream corridors and wetlands.

More information:

WaterOne

Grow Native

Handouts, Books, & Brochures: 

What is Xeriscape?