A Work In Progress

The "Before" Shot

Xeriscape Garden Purpose and Progress

Thank you to all who have and will contribute to the Garden. We hope the visual impact and aesthetic of the plantings will in some way mirror the quality of the programs that exist in our classrooms, performance halls, and galleries.

In addition to your contributions, the Xeriscape Garden Project received a 2009 Environmental Education Mini-grant from Earth Day Jacksonville, Inc. As well as beautifying our campus there is an educational component which may be of interest to you and your home garden.

Educational Purpose of the Xeriscape Garden

To educate the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Community how to use Florida Friendly plants in an aesthetic garden planting that requires minimum water, care, and maintenance as an alternative to traditional grass lawns which require more water, chemicals, and fertilizers to maintain, as well as gas powered lawn mowers.

The primary plants selected for the Xeriscape Garden are plants that do well in full sun, sandy soil, and minimal water.

• Agapanthus
• Asiatic Jasmine
• Loropetalum
• Pittosporum
• Indian Hawthorn
• Coontie

For a complete database of plants and instructions on how to plan your yard go to floridayards.org

Xeriscape Landscaping
By David Beaulieu, About.com

Definition: Xeriscape landscaping, by definition, is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Derived from the Greek xeros meaning “dry,” the term, xeriscape means literally “dry landscape.”

Note that “xeriscape” is pronounced as if it began with the letter, Z. This sometimes leads to the misspelling, “zeroscape.” But xeriscape landscaping techniques needn’t result in a “big zero” for landscape design aesthetics. In fact, as most people employ the term, xeriscape landscaping needn’t be limited to desert plants, such as cacti. Rather, a xeriscape landscaping policy allows you to use the plants you want, but insists on common-sense measures that will help conserve water, such as grouping plants with similar water requirements together.

Nonetheless, a common element in xeriscape landscaping is the reduction of lawn grass areas, since lawn grass is often one of the worst offenders against water conservation. Another widespread tactic in xeriscape landscaping is the deployment of indigenous plants, since they are adapted to the local climate and consequently require less water. Plants most suited to xeriscape landscaping are sometimes referred to as “xeric” plants.
Also Known As: xeriscaping
Common Misspellings: zeriscape landscaping, zeroscape landscaping, xeroscape landscaping