Xeriscaping

Written By IIDA New England Communications Committee
 
 

How to Utilize Sustainable Landscaping Practices

Xeriscaping is a landscaping practice that uses irrigation in a very intentional way and utilizes native plants, making it a very sustainable solution in times of drought. While often not thought of as applicable to the New England area, it is gaining popularity. This landscaping technique is gaining momentum in many regions across the United States and South America, in both commercial and residential applications.

 
 

In the early 1980s, xeriscaping was made popular in Denver, Colorado as a way to reduce water use during droughts. It has since transformed into a landscape design strategy that offers a multitude of benefits. By using native plants that require minimal watering, a strategic layout and efficient irrigation systems, properties are able to have vibrant landscaping that supports the local ecosystem while also reducing water use. When thinking of a drought-resistant landscape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a tall cactus in a garden full of rocks, while the reality of xeriscaping is much more intentional and colorful. Depending on the region, cacti are often used alongside succulents, drought resistant wildflowers, and trees. Rocks and hardscaping do play a part in xeriscaping, but are used in an intentional way to aid with irrigation without the need for sprinklers. In the Northeast, the most basic version of this is planting native wildflowers along the sidewalk or lowest point in a property to capture and use stormwater runoff.  To properly create a xeriscape the following principles must be considered:

  • Planning

  • Soil analysis and improvement

  • Appropriate plant selection

  • Efficient irrigation

  • Use of substrate (mulch, rocks, etc.)           

  • Appropriate maintenance

To fully utilize the benefits of this landscaping technique you must start at the bottom and work your way up. Well-developed soil provides good water infiltration and can hold water more effectively, supporting plant growth while maintaining moisture. Plant selection is a critical step and consideration for the environmental conditions is a must, including sun and wind exposure as well as seasonal temperatures. Efficient irrigation can often be achieved with strategic location of plants, or a drip system, as well as the use of hardscape to direct runoff based on the areas of need. Substrate selection is also an important factor. Using mulch or other organic materials can enrich the soil and reduce erosion while stones can help direct waterflow as previously mentioned.

Xeriscaping is a great landscaping strategy to recommend to any client looking for a sustainable and low maintenance solution. It is a great alternative to a grass lawn, annual plants that need to be replaced seasonally, or flower beds that need to be weeded. The key to a successful xeriscaping project is site survey research, planning from the ground up, and a curated selection of native plants.

Interested in reading more about xeriscaping? Check out this article from Terrebonne.

Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Brett Berry is officially LIVE! On this show, we share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing, and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends, and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design. 

Check out all of the episodes here! 

Dear IIDA New England community,

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role within our vibrant and ever-evolving design community. It is truly an honor to be entrusted with helping guide the direction of IIDA New England, and I approach this responsibility with both respect and great enthusiasm.

Recently, our Board of Directors gathered for a retreat which resulted in an energizing and inspiring day dedicated to aligning our goals and vision for the 2025–2026 term. Together, we took a step back to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we hope to go. I ended the day feeling not only proud of the dedication and insight within our leadership team, but also optimistic about the path we’re forging ahead.

During the retreat, we set forth a number of bold, ambitious goals. Each one is rooted in our shared desire to advance the interior design profession, uplift our community, and promote meaningful impact through design. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing this framework with our full membership, and we sincerely hope it sparks your interest and enthusiasm. We know that to bring these goals to life, we need the voices, talents, and perspectives of our broader IIDA NE community. If you’ve ever considered getting more involved, now is the time! Raise your hand, join a committee, share your ideas. Together, we can achieve incredible things. As they say, teamwork makes the dream work.

One of the most important pillars of my presidency (and a personal passion of mine) is Advocacy. Elevating the visibility and recognition of our profession is critical, and I remain firmly committed to pursuing licensure for interior designers across New England. Licensure is not just about recognition; it’s about empowering designers to practice to the fullest extent of their expertise and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. It will allow our profession to flourish, to expand, and it will empower us to grow into leaders in the design and construction industry.

Equally important to me is creating space for continued learning and dialogue within our profession. I want IIDA NE to be a platform for growth—for exploring how design can drive positive change in the world around us. To that end, we will continuously look for opportunities to partner with IIDA HQ and other industry allies to offer learning opportunities on topics that matter deeply: neurodiversity, inclusive and equitable design practices, sustainability, resilience, and more. These aren’t just buzzwords, they are essential topics that shape the way people live, work, heal, and connect with interior environments.

As we move into the fall season, I’m really looking forward to gathering with all of you at the many exciting events our dedicated volunteers have been planning. From the much-anticipated Design Awards to the iconic Fashion Show, these celebrations are more than just fun! They are a testament to the creativity, passion, and strength of our community and the willingness of our members to jump in and get their hands dirty.

Finally, I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for being part of IIDA NE. Whether you're a long-time member, a new face, or someone just getting to know us, you are welcome here. I truly hope to connect with as many of you as possible during my tenure. Please don’t hesitate to send me an email, ask to grab a coffee (or a cocktail!), or simply say hello if you see me at an event or around town. Let’s make this journey meaningful, together.

With gratitude and excitement,

Krista Easterly, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador
President, IIDA New England

 
 

Be sure to check in with the IIDA New England calendar for upcoming events offered in our community. Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming events:

Do you have an idea that you would like to share with the design community or see highlighted here in The Wire? Share your ideas here. 

 
 

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IIDA New England Communications Committee
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Rooted in Nature