- Water use: Less than 1 gallon per square foot of irrigated area
- Neighborhood: Park Hill
Xeric: Why
“I wanted to minimize water usage, and loved the idea of using native plants and discovering low-water plants from around the world.”
Xeric: How
Thanks to a blend of patience and diligence, Amy and her husband have been converting their 11,000-square-foot lot in phases. Other than hiring a contractor to bring in boulders, they’ve done all the handiwork themselves.
Xeric: Why she loves it
“There are many butterflies and bees and flowers blooming through much of the year. I also love sitting on the rocks and walking through the gardens on flagstone paths.”
Xeric: Why Denver Water loves it
Her landscape has such a beautiful variety of plants that it’s impressive — especially because her outdoor water use is close to nothing, year-round.
Xeric: How it's efficient
If we compare Amy’s barely-there water use to what she’d use for turf, she’s saving about 133,000 gallons each year.
Xeric: Her maintenance route
“Tightly planted areas need minimal weeding, just deadheading. It is best if I go through the garden weekly for an hour or two, otherwise some areas need intensive catch-up.”
Xeric: Her advice for neighbors
Research — a lot. Talk to other homeowners, take classes. (True to her own advice, Amy has a history of taking the time to learn, including taking classes Denver Water offered in the 1980s.)