Landscaping your new home in Visalia CA is as important as interior decorating. Just as you pick energy-efficient but sleek and contemporary appliances for your new home, you can select landscaping materials, turf alternatives and native plants that require little watering during periods of drought. Some horticulturists use the term, “xeriscaping” to describe the earth-friendly method of beautifying your yard with drought tolerant plants. According to a report by CalRecycle, xeriscaping is about creating a water efficient yard. The report explains the word xeriscaping comes from the Greek terms “xeros” for dry and “scape” or a view. Contrary to the way the word translates to “dry view,” expect a lush, vibrant and colorful landscape from outside your new San Joaquin Valley home. Experts point out that California has a limited supply of water, which is why they say to plant “un-thirsty plants.” In addition to protecting the water supply, you reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers that harm beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies as well as poison the water supply.

• Using native plants

When you select plants for the yard of your new home in Visalia CA, look for plants that the nursery labels as “native.” Native plants are the same as indigenous plants accustomed to the climate and weather patterns in Visalia. Specific species of butterflies depend on some native plants as their host and nectar plants. To find a data base of native California plants, visit the California Native Plant Society. You can choose a variety of colorful perennials, vines, grasses, succulents, trees and shrubs. Some plants do better in the sun, shade or part-shade.

• Explaining the benefits

If your neighbors at Chelsea Place or one of the other new home communities in Visalia CA ask you about your choice of landscaping plants, you can share with them the benefits. You may even find there is enough interest to start a community gardening club. According to CalRecycle, the benefits of xeriscaping include conserving water, preventing pest and disease problems, reducing landfill waste and less work in terms of watering, pruning, maintenance and fertilizing.

• Using mulch and irrigation

According to an article by landscaping network, another important component of earth-friendly landscaping is the use of mulch or organic material. Using mulch helps retain water around a bush, tree or flowers while deterring weeds. In California, experts say it is ideal to use a low pressure irrigation system that delivers water to the root zone. Landscaping network points out the drip system encourages roots down so they eventually find water and moisture on their own.

• Ditching your lawn

According to the California Native Plant Society, some homeowners in Central Valley and other parts of California decide to remove their turf, replacing it with landscaping stones, mulch and wildflowers. The society points out the average 1,000 square foot California lawn uses 30,000 gallons of water each year. When replacing your turf, the Society advises homeowners to pair complementary plants found together in nature. Some popular California groundcovers that would pop in the yard of your new home in Visalia CA include Blue Eyed Grass, Hummingbird Sage, Douglas’ Iris, Gumweed and Black Sage.

If you are just in the planning stages of your new designing the interior of your new construction home by San Joaquin Valley Homes, consider the view you want from your windows, French or sliding glass doors. It’s soothing to have a good flow between the indoors and outdoors with your choice of landscaping as well as interior design choices.

At San Joaquin Valley Homes, we have a variety of new homes available at Chelsea Place off of Ben Maddox, north of Caldwell in Visalia, CA. Other projects include magnificent homes for step-up buyers in northwest Visalia in our newly opened San Marino community. For more information about California-friendly landscaping for your Central Valley new construction home site, please contact us.

Lisa Walker

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