San Diego Ponds was recently inspired while visiting one of our local desert communities. We came upon a beautiful stream bed surrounded by indigenous plants. The stream bed was made of round bluish-gray beach rock that curved in and around large boulders. All of these elements are quite familiar to San Diego Ponds, all except for one major detail. This stream did not contain water. This was a xeriscape! It was a dry river bed that gave the illusion of running water through using an assortment of pebbles, rocks and boulders. The pebbles were raked into ripples that curved around  large boulder islands. Low lying ground cover crept up to the stream's edge adding to the illusion as larger draught tolerant plants followed the curve of the meandering stream. Cactus, agave and different succulents were placed as focal points. Lavender,thyme and sage gave this landscape height, color and an amazing scent that lured you in.

In the wet season this dry stream bed acts as a drainage system. The water is collected in the stream bed and channeled to appropriate outlets where  storm water can be used to irrigate surrounding plants.

Xeriscaping is yet another way to bring the peace and tranquility associated with  moving water even when water is not an option.

San Diego Ponds gives xeriscaping two green thumbs UP!