xeriscape

noun, often capitalized

xeri·scape | \ ˈzir-ə-ˌskāp

Definition of xeriscape

: a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques (such as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation)

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about xeriscape

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Did You Know?

Xēros is the Greek word for "dry" that is the base for a handful of English words related to mainly dry printing ("xerography") and dry, or xerophilous, habitats and their plants. In the early 1980s, the Greek adjective was used to name a type of landscaping practiced primarily in the arid western regions of the United States. (The Water Department of Denver, Colorado, is credited with the word's coinage.) "Xeriscape," as it is called, uses plants that require little water and techniques that efficiently use water and reduce evaporation.

Examples of xeriscape in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to being a blooming machine, the Gold Star esperanza is a top xeriscape selection and is not eaten by deer in most situations. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "The top hot-weather plants for color in the San Antonio garden," 7 June 2019 About a third of an acre is devoted to water-saving xeriscape landscaping. — Janet Eastman, OregonLive.com, "Dreamy orphaned dome home, finally completed, is for sale (photos)," 31 May 2018 The event features a plant exchange, free xeriscape plants from SAWS and many gardening exhibits and presentations. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "How to control your garden’s pests this summer," 25 May 2018 The park offers a xeriscape garden, part of a 12-mile greenbelt through Scottsdale. — Connie Cone Sexton, azcentral, "10 best shade spots to escape the blistering Phoenix heat," 30 July 2014 Like Boules, Manzanilla also has a La Contra wine shop in its xeriscape courtyard, albeit a miniature version, no larger than a tool shed. — Peter Cheng, Los Angeles Magazine, "Mexican-Food Expert Bill Esparza Has Curated Cruise Excursions That Are a Gastronome’s Dream," 23 Apr. 2018 In the xeriscape yard, a saltwater swimming pool and outdoor shower ensure the best of desert living, while the property’s southern site offers panoramic mountain views. — Lauren Ro, Curbed, "Midcentury meets contemporary design in Palm Springs for $2.65M," 12 Apr. 2018 Our extensive succulent and xeriscape area never needs watering, but flowers through the year. — Lisa Deaderick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Committed to teaching and gardening," 14 Jan. 2018 Figs require generous amounts of water for maximum production but can survive in a xeriscape landscape. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "4 easy-grow fruit trees perfect for San Antonio," 2 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'xeriscape.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.