Next spring I would like to start work on a Xeriscaping area on the East side of my house. What would be a good selection of plants for Zone 6b - 7A cold hardiness? Thank you in advance.
Probably various agaves, cacti and yuccas would grow there. Depends on what style of planting you want to have, a desert garden like this or just more normal-looking types that don't need much extra water once established.
829, I garden in 6b-7a and according to weather.com our rainfalls are close enough to compare. I don't grow the succulent types that Ron named but rather plants that adjust well once settled in. Pinus, Acer, Quercus, Osmanthus, Juniperus, Ilex, Pistacia......have done well in S.NJ. I don't have an irrigation system besides the occasional hose and the soil is fast draining and sandy.
Thank you all for the replies. My soil is slow draining red clay. I plan to dig about 6" deeper than I need and put down gravel.
829, I believe that mounding up or building raised beds would be considered better practice than trying to use gravel as a drainage aid. What plants are you interested in trying out in your landscape?
A hole dug out of heavy soil and filled with gravel is also known as a sump. Instead go up, putting suitable soil on top of that which is already there. Do not mix them together.
Thank you both for the replies, I have previously raised a bed and I am not looking forward to it again (http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=32891) bottom of page. The area I have chosen has been previously concreted and there are squares I was to use. I plan to do some sample soil testing to see if I have a clay problem out back too. At this point, I do not want to build up, but spring is a long time away and I could change my mind. I have not yet decided what I want to put in. I have a call into a local nursery for advice on local species. I am still researching the plants you all have graciously suggested.
