Z6b - 7A

Discussion in 'Gardening for Water Conservation' started by 829, Oct 7, 2008.

  1. 829

    829 Active Member

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    Next spring I would like to start work on a Xeriscaping area on the East side of my house. What would be a good selection of plants for Zone 6b - 7A cold hardiness?

    Thank you in advance.
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Probably various agaves, cacti and yuccas would grow there. Depends on what style of planting you want to have, a desert garden like this or just more normal-looking types that don't need much extra water once established.
     
  3. Poetry to Burn

    Poetry to Burn Active Member

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    829,

    I garden in 6b-7a and according to weather.com our rainfalls are close enough to compare. I don't grow the succulent types that Ron named but rather plants that adjust well once settled in. Pinus, Acer, Quercus, Osmanthus, Juniperus, Ilex, Pistacia......have done well in S.NJ. I don't have an irrigation system besides the occasional hose and the soil is fast draining and sandy.
     
  4. 829

    829 Active Member

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    Thank you all for the replies.

    My soil is slow draining red clay. I plan to dig about 6" deeper than I need and put down gravel.
     
  5. Poetry to Burn

    Poetry to Burn Active Member

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    829,

    I believe that mounding up or building raised beds would be considered better practice than trying to use gravel as a drainage aid.

    What plants are you interested in trying out in your landscape?
     
  6. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    A hole dug out of heavy soil and filled with gravel is also known as a sump. Instead go up, putting suitable soil on top of that which is already there. Do not mix them together.
     
  7. 829

    829 Active Member

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    Thank you both for the replies, I have previously raised a bed and I am not looking forward to it again (http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=32891) bottom of page. The area I have chosen has been previously concreted and there are squares I was to use. I plan to do some sample soil testing to see if I have a clay problem out back too. At this point, I do not want to build up, but spring is a long time away and I could change my mind.

    I have not yet decided what I want to put in. I have a call into a local nursery for advice on local species. I am still researching the plants you all have graciously suggested.
     
  8. Poetry to Burn

    Poetry to Burn Active Member

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    829,

    If your soil holds a good amount of moisture why are you hot on xeriscaping?
     
  9. 829

    829 Active Member

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    It is very hot and dry here during the summer.
     
  10. Poetry to Burn

    Poetry to Burn Active Member

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    It's similarly hot and dry in my garden in summer. Do you get very wet and soggy during winter?
     
  11. 829

    829 Active Member

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    Yes, we generally have a very wet winter.
     
  12. canadiyank

    canadiyank Active Member

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    How did your plans go?
     
  13. 829

    829 Active Member

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    Oh hold. I bought another property and have a baby on the way.
     

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