g soggy roots. You need to take it easy on mulching a flower bed planted with lavender.
Herbs are famous for being low-maintenance, and they’re handy when you’re cooking and you want a little extra flavor. Parsley is more than a garnish — it’s rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals. It’s so drought tolerant that parsley is better when it’s put under stress by lack of water. This green will add the same frilly visual interest to your landscaping as it does to your plate.
Sage is another drought-tolerant herb that you may associate more with your kitchen cabinet than with your landscaping. But not all sage varieties are for cooking. Varieties like pineapple sage and Russian sage will add color and dimension to your landscaping. Garden sage, which is what you may have tasted in your Thanksgiving stuffing, is also a drought-tolerant variety well suited for a low-water landscape.
You might mistake rosemary for an evergreen, with its fragrant needles and hardy disposition. It’s actually a member of the mint family. It’s also a drought tolerant ornamental that can be left to grow on its own, or trimmed into hedges. Yes, it is edible and wonderful to smell, meaning it can dress up your yard and add flavor to a meal.
Thyme is the last herb listed in that old Simon & Garfunkel song, “Scarborough Fair.” You know — “parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme”. The songwriting duo may have been thinking of low-water landscaping as they wrote those iconic lyrics. Thyme is a hardy addition to a xeriscaped yard. It’s a member of the mint family and loves full sun. Use it to flavor your food and to add greenery without adding to your water bill.
Xeriscaping is popular in parts of the country like Las Vegas and Phoenix where the hot, desert climate makes maintaining a traditional green lawn very difficult. However, low-water landscapes can be used in virtually any part of the nation. Coupled with a drip-irrigation system, they can deliver continuous color while reducing monthly water bills.
Finally, keep in mind that xeriscaping does not mean getting rid of the grass. In fact, the rocks and hardy plants can be good neighbors with your lush, green lawn, while making your yard easier to keep up.