Give Shape to a Xeriscape

The Jones family has moved into a house near your school. They think their yard is bland. They would like to have an interesting yard that saves water and doesn't require too much maintenance. In this activity, you will play the role of landscape architect working with the Joneses.

People can save water using the nine Florida–Friendly Landscaping™ principles, which can be found online at WaterMatters.org/yards.

Lawns and most flowers require a lot of water to grow. Typically, outdoor water use accounts for up to 50 percent of water consumed by households. Using the nine principles of landscaping in a yard can help save water and keep a yard looking beautiful – even during times of drought. Download a copy of Florida-Friendly Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design.

Learning goals

• To practice problem solving
• To learn about plants and basic landscape architecture
• To draw plants and landscapes

Subjects

• Fine Arts
• Science

Materials

• Pencils and erasers
• Colored pencils and pens

Activity

Redesign a section of your home or school's landscape using Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. First, sketch out the landscape as it is, then add planted zones. Label each zone and if you have access to a book of landscape plants, label the type of plants you used.

Extension

Find a houseplant to serve as a model for drawings. Draw the plant and capture the plant's character in your drawings.