Tired of spending weekends mowing, watering, and weeding? With Calgary’s unpredictable weather and dry summers, many homeowners are turning to rock gardens and xeriscaping as beautiful, sustainable alternatives to traditional lawns. These landscaping styles offer stunning curb appeal and save time, money, and water. Here’s how to bring low-maintenance charm to your yard.
What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method designed for dry climates like Calgary’s. It focuses on:
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Water-efficient plant choices
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Strategic use of mulch and rock
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Minimal turf grass
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Smart irrigation and drainage
The result? A functional, beautiful landscape that thrives with very little upkeep.
Why Choose a Rock Garden?
Rock gardens combine hardscaping elements—like decorative stones, gravel, and boulders—with drought-resistant plants. They’re perfect for Calgary homeowners who want:
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Less lawn to mow
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Better drainage
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A natural, modern look
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Long-lasting, low-maintenance beauty
Designing Your Rock Garden or Xeriscape
1. Start with the Right Base
Good drainage is key. Build your garden on a slight slope or raised area using gravel, sand, or crushed rock. Use landscape fabric to prevent weeds without blocking water flow.
2. Choose Calgary-Friendly Plants
Opt for drought-tolerant, cold-hardy plants like:
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Blue fescue
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Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
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Silver mound (Artemisia)
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Creeping juniper
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Sedum
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Russian sage
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Ornamental grasses
These plants thrive with minimal watering and bring colour and texture to your landscape.
3. Incorporate Natural Elements
Add boulders, driftwood, or metal sculptures for contrast. Use crushed granite or pea gravel for pathways or filler between plants.
4. Minimize Grass
Limit turf to functional areas only. Replacing most of your lawn with gravel or mulch drastically cuts water and maintenance needs.
5. Use Mulch and Stones Strategically
Gravel, river rock, and bark mulch help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Bonus: they look great year-round!
Benefits of Rock Gardens & Xeriscaping
✔ Water savings — up to 60% less than a traditional lawn
✔ Lower maintenance — no mowing or constant watering
✔ Year-round beauty — great structure and texture even in winter
✔ Eco-friendly — supports pollinators and conserves resources
Bring Your Low-Maintenance Dream Yard to Life
At Payse Landscaping, we specialize in creating stunning, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive in Calgary’s unique climate. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to replace an old lawn, we can help design the perfect rock garden or xeriscaped space.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your options!
