Get matched with top landscapers in Homer, AK

If you are xeriscaping a lawn from scratch, your best bet for preparing the lawn is to work with a xeriscaping specialist in your area. The most common first step to making the transformation, however, will be to remove the turfgrass from your lawn. The subsequent steps will often include amending the soil to support new plants and installing low-drip or drip irrigation systems.

The best landscape edging tool depends on you and your needs. For homeowners who are looking for a budget-friendly edging material, plastic might be the best option for them. However, homeowners who want a low-maintenance option might opt for concrete or brick. Since there are loads of gardening edging ideas, decide what factors (maintenance, style, or budget) are most important to you to help you narrow your choices.

Unless it only rains once in a blue moon where you live, you’re going to want water-loving plants in your garden bed or pot. A few ideas for plants that aren’t super fast-growing (meaning they’re good in pots or near foundations) and can handle a lot of standing water include: 

• Acorus (Sweet flag)

• Colocasia esculenta (Taro or elephant ear): In many climates, these are annuals, making them less desirable because you need to adjust the chain again after each replant.

• Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf horsetail rush): non-dwarf varieties of horsetail are fast growers and can take over quickly.

• Juncus effusus (Curly rush)

• Osmunda regalis (Royal fern): Royal fern can grow quickly but can also handle being crowded, making them good container plants.

As with anything you do near your foundation, you’ll want to ensure proper drainage when you plant your foundation beds. Your drainage should run downhill from the highest point against your foundation to avoid water intrusion and incurring expensive foundation repair costs.