I guess we approach our drought-tolerant landscape, or xeriscape, with a laid-back attitude. We use plants that naturally enjoy our climate and arid environment. In other words, we work with what we got! Is that a zen lifestyle? Maybe?

But what is Zen? And what is Xeriscape? Here are the answers to both questions, and how you can apply both terms to your landscaping experiences.

But what is Zen?

First of all Zen, according to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, is a way of living and interacting within our environment. That includes ourselves, our world, and the environment around our living spaces.

To live a Zen life with our landscape means that we love simplicity, and that we enjoy our landscape today, and not worry about tomorrow. Of course, we must plan ahead, but in a stress-free manner.

In a Zen Life, everything is equal, without judgment. This nonjudgmental approach to our environment removes stress and anxiety, which are problems I, and maybe you, struggle with every day.

Of course, there’s much more to the Zen philosophy, and I encourage your to read more about Zen and Buddhism on the Stanford philosophy website. As you read, think how you can apply those tenants as you work and enjoy your landscape and living environment.

But what is Xeriscape?

Xeriscape is a landscape designed with arid plants as the focal point, along with rocks, pebbles, sand, or other materials most commonly found in arid or desert regions.

Plants that are adapted to arid environments require very little water to survive, and can tolerate extreme heat conditions. We have those conditions in the southwestern United States. But no matter where you live in the world, we all have to adapt to a warmer environment where fresh water might be more scarce.

I think that xeriscaped landscapes are among the most beautiful in the world. I love living surrounded by drought-tolerant plants, trees, and other plants, rocks, and stones.

Arid plants like cacti, agaves, flowering plants, succulents, and drought-tolerant trees conjure up an image in my mind of independence, determination, simple, dynamic beauty!

And best of all, most xeriscapes require little maintenance and conservation of our dwindling resources. In other words, xeriscape is a simple type of gardening that anyone can learn and enjoy!

Zen and Xeriscape were made for each other

Taken together, Zen Xeriscape is a perfect match for a stress-free way to design and enjoy a beautiful drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant landscape.

Photo and content by Doug Martin and The Zen Xeriscape