Xeriscaping: An approach to Create Landscape using Native Drought-tolerant Plants In dry regions

In almost all of the Middle East countries, the area of dry lands is increasing continuously. The increased need for good quality water for urban use restricted the use of fresh water for irrigation. On the other hand, in those areas, large quantities of low quality water (mostly saline) are available. Although, using low quality water exacerbates the quality of the soil, in these areas there is also a tendency to use low quality water for irrigation of plants cultured in green space areas. On the other hand, Middle East countries facing a serious water supply problem due to population growth which resulted in shortage in available water supplies. Furthermore, city expansion led to wipe-out the plantation areas especially on the suburb of the cities. Therefore, in order to keep sustainable developments in all aspects, there is an urgent need to develop a plant pattern that favours the climate of the region in order to create enough urban green space. Xeriscaping is a suitable approach to create green spaces in the regions that are increasingly face to drought or for the regions with hot and dry climates. In general, Xeriscaping is the art of designing green space landscapes with saving more water and protecting environment is the main objective of this approach. Xeriscaping can be a suitable replacement for traditional gardening in dry regions. In Xeriscaping by using special plant patterns and water use efficient plants, we can save water up to 50% without any decline in aesthetic aspects of the environment. Since most of the Middle East countries have a hot and dry climates, xeriscaping can be recommended for creation of green space in those countries.