Rethinking Xeriscaping (It’s NOT Just Rocks & Cacti)
Beyond Gravel: 3 Unique Ways to Xeriscape Your Outdoors in Calgary
When people hear “xeriscaping”, they often picture dull, lifeless yards covered in gravel with a few scraggly plants. But in reality?
Xeriscaping is one of the most creative, visually striking, and environmentally smart ways to design an outdoor space—especially in Calgary, Alberta, where dry summers, unpredictable rain patterns, and water restrictions make traditional lawns more of a hassle than they’re worth.
So let’s get one thing straight: xeriscaping is not just about saving water. It’s about reimagining what a beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor space can be.
Whether you’re looking to ditch your high-maintenance lawn, cut down on water bills, or create a yard that looks incredible year-round, these three unique xeriscaping ideas will help you build an outdoor space that’s as stylish as it is sustainable.
How to Design a “Living Canvas” Xeriscape in Calgary
1. The “Living Canvas” Approach: Designing with Texture, Shape & Color
If you’ve ever walked through a well-designed botanical garden, you know that plants don’t just sit there—they create movement, contrast, and emotion.
That’s what the Living Canvas Approach is all about: using layers of texture, bold plant shapes, and unexpected color combinations to create a xeriscaped garden that looks more like a piece of art than a backyard.
- ✔ Play with Layers: Combine low-growing groundcovers, medium-height perennials, and architectural statement plants for a multi-dimensional look.
- ✔ Choose Drought-Resistant Color Pops: Try golden yarrow, deep-purple Russian sage, or fiery-red blanket flower to add vibrancy.
- ✔ Use Contrasting Textures: Pair the soft, flowing look of blue oat grass with the sculptural sharpness of yucca or agave.
- ✔ Think About Year-Round Beauty: Mix in evergreen elements like juniper or creeping thyme to keep things visually interesting in winter.
Best Plants for a “Living Canvas” Xeriscape in Calgary
· Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) – Stunning blooms, pollinator-friendly, thrives in dry soil.
· Sedum (Stonecrop) – Comes in tons of varieties, from groundcovers to chunky succulents.
· Ornamental Grasses (Blue Fescue, Karl Foerster Grass, Blue Oat Grass) – Adds movement and texture.
· Russian Sage – Looks like lavender, smells amazing, drought-tolerant.
· Red Yucca – A sculptural, spiky beauty that thrives in dry conditions.
💡 Pro Tip: Xeriscaping doesn’t mean boring. The key is to think like a designer—use bold colors, varied heights, and unexpected plant pairings to create a visually stunning, water-efficient yard.
👉 Looking for a custom xeriscape design? Check out our landscape design services.
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Serving Calgary & Surrounding Areas
