Your Guide to Summer Landscape Design

 

Beat the Heat and Save Big!

People live in Colorado because of our arid climate and beautiful views, but summers can get hot. Some homeowners avoid their yards during the summer months. Additionally, our customers are typically two-income households and tend to be very busy. They want to use their yards more when it’s hot, but they also want low maintenance. Outside Dreams has two ideas to beat the heat and reduce yard work: xeriscaping the front yard and building a pergola in the backyard. 

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach focused on water conservation, replacing the bluegrass lawns that are so common in the Denver area. The term “xeriscaping” was coined by the Denver Water Department in 1981, combining “landscape” with the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry. 

The Benefits of Xeriscaping Are Impressive:

• Significant Water Savings: Xeriscapes use 60 to 65 percent less water than traditional grass lawns.
• Reduced Water Bills: Less watering translates to hundreds of dollars saved each month on water bills during the summer. For example, one of our designer’s water bill dropped from $400 per month to less than $100 per month after xeriscaping.
• Low Maintenance: Xeriscapes require minimal mowing and watering, allowing homeowners to spend their time on other activities they enjoy, although they may need to pull a few weeds occasionally. 

While many people xeriscape their front yards, they often keep grass in the back for their kids or pets. Bluegrass lawns, though attractive, require a significant amount of water to stay green in July and August. Many homeowners limit watering to save money, which can result in brown grass. Artificial turf is another option, which we do install; however, these lawns can get hot, whereas real plants and grass help cool down landscapes. 

Designing Your Dream Xeriscape

The overall landscape design goal of an Xeriscape is to create a sense of color, contrast, and texture throughout the year. 

Year-Round Color and Texture: Outside Dreams utilizes plants that bloom in early, mid, and late summer to maintain color in the landscape. Some roses, such as Knockout and Sunrise varieties, bloom from June to October, providing rich colors and a vibrant pop. Some roses are susceptible to Japanese Beetles, which are nasty for about two months. After the insects leave, the roses start to bloom again. Evergreens add green to soften the landscape and give color during all seasons, including winter. We use ornamental grasses, such as Karl Foerster or Feather Reed, for added texture. We avoid tall grasses because they are hard to maintain and cut. 

Creating Contrast: Outside Dreams utilizes rock and mulch to create contrast. The boundaries between these materials create flow and lines, accented with pockets of live plants. Our approach keeps it simple, yet exciting, with something blooming throughout the summer. 

 

Enjoying Your Yard in the Summer Heat

We recommend installing pergolas to cool things down and make their yards more inviting. Pergolas usually sit on top of paver patios. Outside Dreams constructs both. We have found that a pergola is a more cost-effective way to create shade. We use solid cedar for construction, which can last for decades if properly cared for. 

Cedar contains natural oils and compounds that act as preservatives, protecting the wood from fungi, bacteria, and insect pests such as termites. Cedar’s low moisture absorption and shrinkage rate help prevent warping, cracking, and rotting over time. Its fine, straight grain and dimensional stability allow it to withstand changing weather conditions with minimal expansion or contraction. Due to these qualities, cedar does not require chemical treatment, making it an environmentally friendly and durable choice for both outdoor and indoor applications. Treating the wood with clear oils helps maintain its natural color. 

By incorporating xeriscaping principles and thoughtful shade solutions, homeowners can create a beautiful, low-maintenance, and enjoyable outdoor space that saves them money all summer long! Homeowners interested in xeriscaping or pergolas should contact Outside Dreams. Call (303) 359-9533 or click here to fill out a service request form.