Mention the term xeriscaping plants and most people will think of a typical dry garden, planted only with cacti and more about textures than color and seasonal interest. However, this is a popular misconception that has led to the term falling out of fashion among horticulture professionals. They now typically prefer the term ‘climate appropriate planting’.
Xeriscaping was originally coined by the Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado in the late 1970s, to describe landscaping projects that conserve water and protect the environment. Although, as we garden in a changing climate, these principles have never been more important, but the term has been much misused in the intervening years.
