Xeriscapes Don’t Have To Look Like A Desert: Exploring Three Types of Xeriscapes

With Lake Travis at 38% full, this sign is humorous and also very sad. Photo by Austin land designer Christian Dake.

If you live in Texas Hill Country, you’ve seen firsthand how low the water level in Lake Travis is. Scary levels of low. If you haven’t seen it in person, there’s a high chance you’ve seen pictures on Instagram or online. Austinites know the water situation is getting desperate. This is why xeriscapes or desertscapes are so important to implement in your landscape. 

Though landscape designer Christian Dake loves the St. Augustine look, all that lush green, he knows the grass soaks up a ton of water. The St. Augustine landscape takes an incredible amount of water to keep it looking green. In reality, there isn’t enough water and it isn’t feasible to keep a lush, green landscape looking good this summer, or in summers to come, unless your property is fairly shaded. 

Xeriscapes are a great opportunity to use native plants and create native environments. Whether you’re looking to recreate a native ecosystem under an oak tree and create a lush peaceful setting or go full on West Texas desertscape, we want to get the word out that not all xeriscapes look the same. There are options in creating an environmentally friendly landscape.

Xeriscapes have emerged as a beacon of eco-friendly beauty, especially in regions like Austin and the Hill Country. With their emphasis on water-wise plants and minimal irrigation, xeriscapes offer a striking blend of aesthetics and environmental responsibility. 

In this blog post we'll explore three distinct types of xeriscapes, each tailored to thrive in its unique environment: lush shaded area xeriscapes, native plants to the Austin and Hill Country area, and the rugged beauty of West Texas desertscapes. But before we dive into these specific designs, let's explore why xeriscapes are so vital.

Christian Dake is a land designer with water conservation in mind. He's an expert at xeriscapes, native plants and implementing irrigation systems that keep your plants thriving in harsh Austin conditions.

Why Xeriscapes Matter: The Importance of Water Conservation

Water conservation is a pressing issue in many parts of the world, Austin and the Hill Country region are no exception. As the summers continue to get longer and hotter, drying up many water holes in the Austin area, the concern for conservation is growing. With unpredictable weather patterns and increasing demands on water resources, adopting water-wise landscaping practices is essential for preserving our natural environment and ensuring a sustainable future.

Xeriscapes offer a solution by reducing water usage through thoughtful plant selection, efficient irrigation techniques, and soil management strategies. By embracing xeriscapes, Texas homeowners not only contribute to water conservation efforts but also enjoy a landscape that thrives with minimal maintenance and resource input.

Christian Dake has spent extensive time researching native plants, irrigation systems and how to work with the soil in retaining water. Dake Land Design would love to help you implement these systems into your landscape, creating something beautiful while also conserving water. Conservation doesn’t necessarily mean a barren landscape and Christian Dake is passionate about creating lovely outdoor spaces that are mindful of water usage.

In most xeriscapes that Dake Land Design would build for you, we incorporate water systems that are used to increase lushness in the xeriscape in the hottest months of the year so you still have a beautiful yard with just a small addition of water. 

On the Rollingwood project, Dake Land Design created xeriscape by installing lush native plants and privacy trees.

Lush Shaded Area Xeriscapes: It’s Not All Rocks and Cacti

Shaded areas present a unique challenge for landscaping, but they also offer an opportunity to create lush, inviting spaces that thrive with minimal water input. Many people can be surprised that xeriscapes doesn't have to look like a desert, but can be luscious. Lush shaded area xeriscapes are designed to embrace the natural beauty of shaded environments while incorporating water-wise plants that can thrive in lower light conditions. These xeriscapes often feature a mix of shade-tolerant perennials, groundcovers, and shrubs, chosen for their ability to thrive in dappled sunlight and cooler temperatures.

In Austin and the Hill Country area, big oak trees abound. Planting these plants under a big tree create a green haven. Here are a few popular choices for lush shaded area xeriscapes include:

Dwarf Palmetto: The dwarf palmetto’s (Sabal minor) ability to thrive in shaded environments while requiring minimal water makes it an excellent choice for adding lushness and texture to a xeriscape in a shady spot.

Ferns: Native ferns such as Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) and Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) add a touch of elegance to shaded areas while requiring minimal water once established.

Hostas: These leafy perennials are renowned for their lush foliage and tolerance to shade. Varieties like Blue Angel and Sum and Substance thrive in shady spots and can be paired with other shade-loving plants for a dynamic xeriscape.

Japanese Maples: With their vibrant foliage and graceful form, Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) are prized additions to shaded gardens. Choose varieties like Bloodgood or Emperor I for their striking colors and adaptability to shaded environments.

By selecting plants that are well-suited to shaded conditions and implementing efficient irrigation techniques, lush shaded area xeriscapes can transform even the darkest corners of your landscape into vibrant, water-wise oases.

Using native plants is a key part of xeriscapes. Christian Dake has extensive knowledge of the native plantlife in Austin, Texas and can help you with plants that will do the best in your area.

Native Plants to the Austin and Hill Country Area: Celebrating Local Flora

One of the fundamental principles of xeriscaping is the use of native plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. In Austin and the Hill Country area, a rich diversity of native plants offers endless possibilities for creating stunning xeriscapes that pay homage to the region's natural beauty. By incorporating native plants into your landscape design, you not only conserve water but also support local ecosystems and wildlife.

Some iconic native plants to consider for xeriscapes in the Austin and Hill Country area include:

Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens): This hardy shrub is prized for its drought tolerance and vibrant purple flowers, which bloom profusely after rainfall. Texas Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for xeriscapes.

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima): With its delicate, feathery foliage and graceful movement in the breeze, Mexican Feather Grass adds texture and movement to xeriscapes. This drought-tolerant grass is a staple in native plant gardens and requires minimal water once established.

Fragrant Mist Flower (Conoclinium greggii): Native to Austin and the surrounding Central Texas region, the fragrant mist flower is a resilient perennial plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, including full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Its delicate, lavender-colored flowers and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for native plant gardens and xeriscapes in the area.

Agave: These iconic succulents are synonymous with Southwestern landscapes, and for good reason. Agaves are well-adapted to arid conditions and require little to no supplemental irrigation. Varieties like Agave americana and Agave parryi make striking focal points in xeriscapes, with their dramatic rosettes and architectural forms.

By incorporating native plants into your Austin or Hill Country xeriscape design, you not only create a landscape that is visually stunning but also resilient and sustainable, requiring minimal water and maintenance to thrive.

Transforming this East Austin front yard into a true xeriscape, Dake Land Design selected plants that require minimal water. Among the hardiest are wedelia, texmexia, queen victoria, agave, and salvia gray ship shrub.

West Texas Desertscapes: Practical and Poetic

Many people love the arid regions of West Texas and want to recreate a xeriscape that embraces the natural beauty of the desert which is both practical and poetic. Christian Dake recreated a West Texas feel in his own East Austin landscape, which was featured in Austin Monthly. 

West Texas desert scapes are characterized by their rugged beauty, with a focus on drought-tolerant plants, minimalistic design, and natural materials. These xeriscapes celebrate the unique flora and landscapes of the desert while promoting water conservation and environmental sustainability.

Key elements of West Texas desertscapes include:

Succulents: From prickly pear cacti to agaves and yuccas, succulents are the backbone of West Texas desertscapes. These water-wise plants are adapted to thrive in arid conditions, storing water in their fleshy leaves and stems to survive periods of drought.

Rock Gardens: Incorporating natural rock formations and gravel pathways adds texture and visual interest to West Texas desertscapes. Rocks also help retain moisture in the soil and create microclimates for shade-loving plants to thrive. One type of rock Dake Land Design likes to use is Bastrop native sandstone, as seen in his own East Austin landscape.

Bastrop native sandstone is a distinctive and durable natural stone that lends a touch of rugged elegance to desert landscapes. Its warm, earthy hues and textured surface evoke the rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country, making it a perfect fit for desertscapes that aim to capture the essence of the local environment. 

Its natural weather resistance and ability to withstand the harsh desert climate make it an excellent choice for outdoor applications, ensuring that your landscape retains its beauty and functionality for years to come. Whether used to define outdoor living spaces or to add visual interest to garden beds, Bastrop native sandstone brings a timeless charm and natural beauty to desert landscapes, enhancing their appeal and creating inviting outdoor environments.

Drought-Tolerant Shrubs and Grasses: Native shrubs like Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) and Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) are prized for their beauty and resilience in West Texas landscapes. Ornamental grasses like Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) add movement and color to the xeriscape while requiring minimal water.

By embracing the beauty and resilience of desert landscapes, West Texas desertscapes offer a sustainable and visually striking alternative to traditional landscapes, promoting water conservation and environmental stewardship in arid regions.

This xeriscape by Dake Land Design includes an elevated desert scape and native sandstone retaining wall. Details include locally mined sandstone boulders, and a variety of blooming desert shrubs and succulents.

Cultivating Sustainable Beauty with Xeriscapes

With the climate as it is making water conservation and environmental sustainability paramount, xeriscapes offer a practical and beautiful solution for landscaping. Whether you're creating a lush shaded area xeriscape, celebrating native plants in the Austin and Hill Country area, or embracing the rugged beauty of West Texas desertscapes, xeriscapes allow homeowners to cultivate sustainable beauty while minimizing water usage and maintenance. 

By incorporating water-wise plants, efficient irrigation techniques, and thoughtful design principles, xeriscapes not only conserve water but also create landscapes that thrive with minimal input, promoting a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come. Contact Dake Land Design to start a conversation about implementing a xeriscape in your outdoor space!