report - Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
Transcription
report - Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia E DAW G i l l e s p i e s Au s t r a l i a Xerophytic Landscape Principles : An investigation into world’s best practice in water efficient design techniques, drought-tolerant flora, innovative irrigation/reticulation strategies, infrastructure and creativity in grey-water recycling and desalination. Source: EDAW Australia Source: EDAW Australia Deserts and drylands constitute more than forty per cent of the global land area. Global environmental changes such as global warming and further desertification of drylands threaten 1,300 million people in more then 100 countries. James McNeur | 2005 Churchill Fellow p The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Water is the source of life… without it, flora and fauna will wither and die. Fresh water sources are being consistently depleted and polluted. To investigate water efficient design techniques, drought-tolerant flora, innovative irrigation/ reticulation strategies, infrastructure and creativity in grey-water recycling and desalination. A proportion of the images in this report are sourced from EDAW Australia’s Image Library. General information, statistics and facts were gathered while on tour, during conversations, in meetings and by observation, while travelling on the Churchill Fellowship. I understand that the Churchill Trust may publish this report, either in hard copy or on the internet or both, and consent to such publication. I indemnify the Churchill Trust against any loss, costs or damages it may suffer arising out of any claim or proceedings made against the Trust in respect of or arising out of the publication of any Report submitted to the Trust and which the Trust places on a website for access over the internet. I also warrant that my Final Report is original and does not infringe the copyright of any person, or contain anything which is, or the incorporation of which into the Final Report is, actionable for defamation, a breach of any privacy law or obligation, breach of confidence, contempt of court, passing-off or contravention of any other private right or of any law. Signed p Date 17/11/2006 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles INTRODUCTION Report on the findings from a 2005 Churchill Fellowship investigation into the world’s best practice in water efficient design techniques, drought tolerant flora, innovative irrigation, reticulation strategies, infrastructure and creativity in grey-water recycling and desalination. The countries visited included the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Spain and the United States of America. The project would not have been possible without the generous support of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PERSONAL DETAILS Name: James Angus McNeur Position:Landscape Architect / Project Manager Address: 25 Embling Road, Malvern, Vic, 3144, Australia Phone: Home: +61 3 9822 7559 or Mobile: +61 401 497 081 Email: [email protected] OVERVIEW This report contains, but is not limited to the following issues:- desalination, benefits of Australian dams, re-use of treated sewage water, grey-water recycling, roof-top rainfall catchments, storm-water recycling, strategies and policies to ‘green’ Australia and xeriscape principles. Xeriscape principles include:- subterranean drip irrigation systems, porous paving, drought tolerant lawn varieties, lawn substitutes, drought tolerant flora, use of organic and inorganic mulching, use of shade, low water use water features, low growing groundcovers and shrubs, gravitational irrigation strategies, sunken tree planters and garden beds, a balance between hard and softscape elements and green walls. p PROJECT FINDINGS The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is at the forefront of desalination technology and innovation. If Australia is to implement desalination plants, then we need to employ the latest technologies, including membrane treatments such as those in the UAE. Treated sewage water is not only cheap and sustainable, but once the infrastructure is constructed, there are very few expenses associated with the delivery. The best application is through subterranean drip irrigation systems. New residential estates are best suited to this application because it is more economical to combine black and grey recycled water. In the United Arab Emirates, Israel and America grey water was treated in conjunction with black (sewage) water. An ‘on site’ grey-water recycling system for individual residential houses in Australia, is the most appropriate application for grey-water systems. Storm-water recycling was a key component of new developments in Southwest USA. DMB Developers in America were proactive in their approach to sustainable storm-water design through swales and retention basins. Development of drought tolerant flora and hardy varieties of turf, such as seashore paspalum, in the United States of America and in the United Arab Emirates have been very successful. These varieties are well suited to the Australian environment and would reduce water consumption for landscapes. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION Implementation of these xeriscape principles in large scale residential developments and sub-divisions. Publication of a pictorial and technical book. Exposure in the media. Presenting my findings to consultants around Australia. Speaking at conferences or other forums. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia People / Organisations and Places Visited UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ISRAEL SPAIN DUBAI JERUSALEM MADRID Al Khatib Cracknell The Old / New City Central Madrid Hill International Albert Promenade Streetscapes Green Concepts Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens Jardin De La Vega GHD Engineering Beit Shalom Park Alberto Campo Baeza Arquitecto Nakheel Developers Harry Wilf Independence Park Emaar Properties EILAT Royal Meridian Orchid Hotel Jameirah Hotel Red Sea The Jumeirah Palm Sewage Treatment Plant The Islands of the World Desalination Plant NATANYA ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Maunsell/ AECOM EDAW Abu Dhabi Royal Palace Sheraton Beach Front Promenade SEVILLA La Granja De San Ildefonso Ladoverde Patio De Los Naranjos Patio Seville Casa De Pilatos Roman Aqua-duct Modi’m TEL AVIV Ramat Aviv Mall CADIZ La Villa De Las Sirenas Soto Grande Netafim MALAGA Hod Nashron – Country Club La Sardinella National Parks Authority Residencia Coca HAIFA Casa Anna Maria AL AIN Bahai Gardens Rak Properties University of Technica Green Concepts Rishon Le Zion City Wadi sites Holocaust Memorial Park Streetscapes BEER SHEVA SANTIAGO Future developments Ben Gurion University Promenade Rutenberg Project Pazo De OCA GRANADA Alhambra The beach Promenade THE DEAD SEA Masada The Dead Sea Desert & Desert Vegetation James McNeur | 2005 Churchill Fellow The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia United States of America LOS ANGELES EDAW DMB Ladera DMB Developers Ladera Ranch JH Snyder Company The Irvine Company SAN DIEGO EDAW Library Walk, San Diego University In Australia our problem is not the lack of rainfall, we simply need to manage what nature provides more efficiently. At present we use drinkable water for our laundry, showers, toilets and gardens when we only need high quality water for drinking and cooking. Rainfall captured on site is more than adequate for washing clothes and flushing the toilet. An average roof area of 150m2 with rainfall of 652mm per annum will collect about 100,000 litres a year, which is more than a third of the average total household consumption of 270,000 litres. Future houses will be designed to harvest more and more of this incoming water. In the meantime even a modest tank collecting the rain falling on the roof can make a significant difference and can be linked to the laundry, toilet, and garden. Water can also be harvested by designing paths to direct run-off to garden beds. The use of rainwater captured on site, can then be re-collected from showers, baths and clothes washing, and used again for flushing the toilet and/or watering the garden. Shea Homes MacArthur Court LA JOLLA The Neurosciences Institute PHOENIX EDAW DC Ranch Scottsdale City Centre Verrado The term ‘arid’ has a range of connotations that vary according to culture and historical period. For some, it implies barren wastelands, while for others it evokes landscapes of biological, cultural, and aesthetic richness. From a scientific standpoint, aridity refers to a scarcity of moisture, in which precipitation is exceeded by potential evaporation. Aridity and drought indexes have been developed to analyse water scarcity. These varied climatic patterns of water deficiency interact with physiographic conditions to produce a variety of arid and semi-arid environments. Fresh water is one of the world’s scarcest commodities. Recently, in most States of Australia, water restrictions have been introduced. Most of our potable water is consumed in domestic gardens! Australia’s Uluru - Ayers Rock Typifies Our Landscape, Arid and Rugged p Source: EDAW Australia a James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles ISRAEL Israel is located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bounded on the north by Lebanon, on the northeast by Syria, on the east and southeast by Jordan, on the southwest by Egypt, and on the west by the Mediterranean Sea. Before June 1967, the area composing Israel (resulting from the armistice lines of 1949 and 1950) was about 20,700 km² which included 445 km² (172 mi²) of inland waters. Israel stretches 424 km from north to south. In 1949 its width ranged from 114 km to 10 km in Eilat (Red Sea). Several wars since this time have changed these dimensions, however the country is still very small with few water resources and natural resources in general. Israel’s landscape is characterized by arid desert, where the average rainfall is less than 200mm per annum. In southern regions rainfall maybe as low as 25mm pa. Extended drought periods are common making water a precious commodity. The Israelis have sought to overcome this problem by implementing innovative and efficient water management strategies for landscape and agricultural irrigation applications. These advancements were developed through national necessity to conserve and recycle water. In just 25 years the nation has been able to create sustainable agriculture and green landscapes. The Romans, two millennia earlier, faced the same challenges as the modern day Israelis. In order to sustain their cities and agriculture, complex aqueduct systems were developed to store and distribute water. 2000 years later a 60km long aqueduct at Netanya is still standing. Initiatives of this calibre should be implemented across all regional cities through out Australia. Bendigo in north-western Victoria is a perfect example of where such a process should be implemented. Bendigo, at the time of writing, was at Stage Four water restrictions. Source: Times Atlas 2000 Year OLd Roman Aqueduct p The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Old Town Jerusalem (Churches, Synagogues & Mosques) Landscape Character of Jerusalem Jerusalem’s history is one of religion, of bloodshed and of survival of man over nature, from King David’s reign 1010 – 970 BC in the Hyksos Period through all the different religions, rulers and peoples to the current Israeli Period. Innovations in water applications have allowed greater greening of the city, but the principles remain the same. Wailing Wall (Last remant of the Temple of Solomon) Self-sustaining natural grasses & cypress in background The Wailing Wall is the symbol of Jewish faith and the object of Jewish pilgrimage from all over the world. The Wailing Wall was liberated after the 1967 War for the first time in 2000 years. The same sandstone which built & rebuilt castles following conquers is now used to build New Jerusalem. Temple of David with Traditional Landscape Principles Hardscape design directs stormwater to landscaped areas OLD TOWN JERUSALEM NEW TOWN JERUSALEM p Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Landscape Surrounding Old City Green walls or vegetated walls have the ability to soften visual appearance and provide a cooler environment. A kind of outdoor air-conditioning system or in this case an anctient one. Nooks and Mortar Gaps allow for a Natural Green Wall. Old City Walls are surrounded by xerophytic vegetation. This flora only requires what Mother nature can provide. Old Fashioned ‘Green Wall’ Old City Walls with surrounding Xeriscape Landscaping Juniper species require very little water. Their prostrate qualities allow them to occupy several square meters, while employing half the water requirements of their upright relations. The surrounding landscape improves the transition between old and new Jerusalem with the use of traditional plant types and hardscape elements. Juiper species surround the base of the Old City Walls Old City with sympathetic New Architecture p The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Source: EDAW Australia Gabriel Sherover Promenade Front Aspect Source: EDAW Australia Gabriel Sherover Promenade: Olive Grove The Gabriel Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem was designed by Shlomo Aronson and overlooks the Holy City of Jerusalem. The design relates to the Kidron Valley below and the Judean Hills in the distance. The challenge was to create an urban environment and promenade within a desert environment. 800 mature olive trees were planted and obviously required irrigation. Netafim’s Bio line (drip irrigation system) was instrumental in assisting these Olives establish. The system employs treated sewage water and is subterranean, which means there is less evaporation and less water wastage (no overspray). The system also reduces maintenance requirements, which can be very costly for municipal governments (replacing spray heads, pipe blockages etc). Olive grove and surrounding landscape: Gabriel Sherover Promenade p Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Traditional Jerusalem Sandstone Paving Transition between Old Jerusalem and New Jerusalem Old municipalities are committed to water recycling and the provision of infrastructure to process and distribute recycled water. In addition all recently planned cites and suburbs have been able to incorporate greater open space and landscape provisions thanks to the introduction of recycled water. New development in Jerusalem Non-Porous New Style Sandstone Planned open space has increased from 3 per cent to up to 10 per cent in ten years. There is greater landscape provision for streetscapes and city entry points. Traditional Porous paving (grass’n stone) New Porous Paving (Erigeron’n stone) Modern Architectural Styles p Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Dry Water Feature: Harry Wilf Independence Park The majority of water features in Jerusalem are turned off for the hottest months of the year. Schinus molle, Cupressus species and low growing shrubs / groundcovers are incorporated with hardscape areas to maximise the natural water resources of the region. Effective cooling green wall with Boston Ivy, which has minimal water requirements Cupressus Grove: Harry Wilf Independence Park Only very important landscapes have the honor of large expanses of lawn irrigated with subterranean systems and usually with recycled sewage water. Xerophytic Plant Selection in the Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens p Roof-top Garden, which employs colour, texture, attributes and size to create an eyecatching self-sufficient landscape. Climbing or cascading plants have the ability to soften buildings and architectural elements. James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Rectilinear Water Feature with Treated Sewage Water Water Feature when Wet : Art Work when Dry Overflowing Geraniums. Rewarding xeriscape plant Simple, but effective, Water Feature Close-up of Modernist Water Feature Dry Water Feature at Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens p The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia There are 7 tourist hotels and associated facilities concentrated into a “Green Oasis”. The 7 hotels all use xerophytic landscape principles as the rainfall is around 50mm per annum. Source: EDAW Australia The aqua waters of the Dead Sea provide a dramatic contrast to the arid surrounds. The sea is the lowest point on the earth -398m below sea level. The Sea has a mystical quality with its unique chemical composition: 65% salt, 25% magnesium and balance of water & trace elements. This gives the Sea its buoyant and therapeutic qualities. Source: EDAW Australia The Dead Sea region receives fifty millimeters per annum. Recycling of water is therefore critical to creating a green oasis for the five star hotels and baths for tourists and Israelis alike. All grey water from the hotels is recycled at a central processing plant and redistributed within 24 hours for irrigation of the landscape. All landscape irrigation is drip with fertigation units used to control nutrient levels, soil pH and salinity. Perlite or volcanic rock (scoria) media is used to create landscape areas on both podium slabs and in natural ground. Because of the inert nature of the growing media and minimal absorption capacity, 6-8 irrigation cycles per/day are used and the fertigation unit is essential in delivering nutrients. These techniques have been developed as organic soils and surface mulches are not available. p10 Source: EDAW Australia Source: EDAW Australia HWY 90 DEAD SEA ROADWAY Arid / Salt Tolerant Vegetation James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles The small leaves of the prostrate vegetation use less photosynthesis, so therefore require less water. The leaves also have another use in an area. The plants need to cope with the high salt content of the earth. The leaves soak up the salt. These prostrate plants including many saltbush varieties are well-adapted to growing in salty dry sites where the soils are silty and gravelly and thus retain little water. In Israel’s Dead Sea area, they are typically the only plants that can tolerate these conditions. All these plants have greyish-green leaves with hairs that secrete excess salt onto the leaf surface, to maintain the plant’s internal salt balance. The common desert species include shadscale, four-wing saltbush, desert holly and desert saltbush. They often exhibit a special type of photosynthesis called C4 photosynthesis, which enables them to synthesise sugars. In the hottest part of the year these plants are able to shut down their photosynthesis, thereby using less water and ensuring their survival until the cooler months. Roadside vegetation is generally prostrate, and so better adapted to water conservation The Dead Sea covers 1020 square kilometers. Vegetation is mainly in prostrate form, except where water periodically flows. Prostrate flora is able to retain greater quanties of water because of its lack of size and surface area. The limited desert vegetation is restricted to roadsides and Wadi (periodic river beds) p11 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Dead Sea is Divided for Production Salt factory in Operation Salt Mounding MASADA Wadi - Dry river bed which is occassionally inundated Barren Landscapes of Masada Sitting on an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert, Masada’s steep slopes and precipices rise more than 400 meters above the Dead Sea. The combination of cliffs and escarpments in the desert area provided Masada with the perfect natural defense system. Had the Romans not blazed routes to the top, there would have been no way for them to reach the summit. It was a successful feat of engineering. On the western part of the hilltop are twelve enormous cisterns, which collected the floodwater that flowed in the Masada wadi. Together the cisterns could hold 40, 000 cubic meters of water, enough not only for drinking but also for the swimming pools, bathhouses, and agriculture. The cisterns were dug in two rows. The cisterns on the upper row are 80 meters below the summit and those on the lower row 130 meters below it. Beasts of burden transported the water from the cisterns to the top of the mountain on specially blazed trails. The abilty to harness the wadi was the key to the sucess of Masada. Without this precious water supply the area would not have been habitable. p12 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Eilat is a vibrant coastal city with strict xeriscape principles. The Israeli Government recently reduced water quotas by 35 percent for potable water consumption because of prolonged drought conditions. The reduction forced Israel’s municipalities to adopt water recycling as a priority and to implement capital works infrastructure programs. Eilat is commited to water sensitive practices. Desalination plants and treated sewage water recycling systems are being implemented. Agave species are part of the succulent family. They have excellent drought tolerant properties. These plants can survive with no irrigation although drip irrigation will enable the plants to flourish. Allocasuarina verticilata species have an advantage in arid environments. Their cylindrical leaves enable the tree to retain greater levels of water. The reduced leaf surface area restricts the amount of photosynthesis and moisture loss through evaporation. These characteristics make the sheoak family ideal for semi-arid to arid environments. Eilat, the southernmost city of Israel, is a unique oasis on the coast of the Red Sea. Moses led the children of Israel through the Red Sea away from the Egyption army. Round-abouts and streetscapes in Eilat are irrigated with treated sewage water through Netafim Bio-line. The plants must be drought tolerant to survive even with watering. Foliage generally has a small surface area, is grey-green in colour, has waxy, hairy leaves or is bipinnate. These features all minimise water loss. Dum Palms - Protected natural resource. These palms are drought tolerant and used extensively through out the Middle East. p13 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia The recycling of grey and sewage water became a national objective in the mid 1970s, to provide for agriculture. In later years the infrastructure was established for landscapes. The administration and distribution of water is owned and run by the State. The current distribution of recycled water is 80 per cent for agriculture and industry, and twenty percent for landscape purposes. All potable water is reserved for drinking. Recycled water consists of two levels depending on the irrigation application. Secondary treatment is appropriate for sub terrain drip systems, which are used in agriculture and landscaped areas. Tertiary treatment, which is more expensive is suitable for spray irrigation in public areas and in water elements. The drip system can affect water savings of up to 35 per cent over spray systems and up to 40 per cent in irrigation maintenance costs through reduced vandalism and general blockages. Water efficiency could be improved by a further 25 per cent by incorporating a 75 millimeter mulch depth to planter beds. Organic mulches are not used because there is no natural source; however inorganic mulches, such as volcanic gravels, are occasionally employed to retain moisture. Plant foliage may be scorched by the heat retention in some inorganic mulches. It is therefore important to use lighter coloured gravels. Generally, better efficiency can be gained through organic mulches, but inorganic mulches can provide a more maintenance-free environment for public or civic areas. p14 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles HOD NASHRON COUNTRY CLUB This Country Club recycles grey water from their showers for irrigation of the turf and garden beds. The showers generated 200 litres per hour and water was processed and stored onsite. The irrigation was activated between 6.00am5.30pm daily which avoided fungal problem resulting from the use of grey water. Sub-surface drip was installed to turf and planter areas. Town water provided a backup supply, but was not used on the grounds of expense. A fertigation unit provided a chemical balance system to landscape areas and was computer-controlled to maximise operational efficiency. The system paid for itself in two years and was saving the swimming complex US$25,000 a year in water costs. Source: EDAW Australia RISHON LE ZION CITY New Residential Community The community was planned for 100,000 residents and includes 9 clusters are of nine storeys unit blocks, with support facilities and open space strategically located within the cluster. The increased building heights provide a greater open space ratio, which is fundamental to the planning of a workable community. The open space represents twenty per cent of the development. Increased open space requires increase water consumption, so all grey water is recycled. After treatment, the water is naturally filtered through 150mm of sand substrate to an underground aquifer where it is then pumped to irrigate landscape areas and for water feature elements. The irrigation is controlled by a central computer system for the total site. Source: EDAW Australia BEER SHEVA - Rutenberg Project The average rainfall is less than 100mm per annum and the region is characterized by a desert landscape with pockets of drip-irrigated citrus and olive groves. Landscaping is generally concentrated to city entry nodes and major roads. Xeriscape principles, such as water retention elements and use of arid plant species including Australian and succulent species have been adopted in the landscape design. All city water is recycled and used for agriculture and the landscape. Grey and sewage water are treated together and reused to create green environments. Without the black water recycling neither agriculture nor landscaping would be sustainable in such an unforgiving environment. Source: EDAW Australia p15 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Modi’m New City is the largest of the new planned cities in Israel. It is located between Tel Aviv & Jerusalem and is designed to accommodate 250,000 people. The city is 175m above sea level and is sited to take advantage of micro climates created by its elevation and valleys. The soft landscape is dominated by Australian species, employing approximately 90 per cent Australian natives suited to the poor soil structures and the arid environment. Annual plantings highlight nodal points and roadways. The region receives a rainfall of 400mm per annum. The landscape areas are currently irrigated using potable water, however in future stages recycled water will be used. A centralised computer-controlled system is used with separate stationing of turf, annuals and planter areas. Solar power is used for the controller and Sub-terrain Techline drip irrigation is used with 0.75 dripper spacing. The dripper spacing is dependant on the species selection. Source: EDAW Australia Sub terrain drip-irrigation waters annuals, planted areas, and turf zones. The drip system is considerably better than the spray irrigation system, which wastes water through evaporation and over-spray. The drip system also reduces vandalism and maintenance costs by up to forty percent. The drip system is controlled through a computerized central control; maximum water efficiency is gained by employing flow meters, moisture sensors, multi-cycle programming and the integration of fertigation systems. Fertigation is the application of fertilizers which are dissolved in irrigation water. Source: EDAW Australia p16 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Traditional watering methods use overhead sprinklers, which distribute a fine sheet of water over the selected garden area. To date, problems with this method of irrigation are, misting, over-spray, wind-drift, water-run-off onto paths and roadways, water collection on garden mulch, easily vandalised and broken materials, spray easily impeded by growing plants, promotion of plant disease and discolouration; as well as restricted by Government Water Restrictions. There is, however, a solution to this irrigation dilemma. Drip irrigation is now extensively used throughout the world as an efficient and effective irrigation method. Netafim have been involved in providing many drip irrigation solutions for some of the world’s biggest irrigation projects. Netafim now manufacture a drip irrigation alternative that reduces water consumption, reduces evaporation, reduces plant disease, reduces weed growth, eliminates wind-drift, eliminates over-spray, avoids water-run-off, blends in with the aesthetics of the garden, delivers water directly to the root zone, is not affected by the government water restrictions, and saves water and money. Netafim, the world leader in drip irrigation, have a range of drip products which will allow irrigation of all lawn and garden areas in the most efficient way, from below the surface, so that vandalism, injury and water wastage are no longer a concern. To make drip irrigation easier, Netafim have an extensive range of integrated drip tubes, which have drippers moulded directly into the drip tube at preset intervals. All that is needed is to select the right Netafim drip tube and roll it out across the landscape, or under the lawn. Netafim have a drip tube to make the installation of irrigation projects undertaken fast, simple and, especially, water efficient. There are several options to be noted: Miniscape, as its name suggests is for smaller projects, much like a typical Australian back yard. Minimal pressure is required with 6mm piping. Miniscape’s small size and flexibility makes it ideal for home gardens and pot plants. The drip sections are at 300mm centres. Tube Size: O.D. 8.0mm, I.D. 6.0mm. Operating Pressure: 50-300kpa (5-30m) Scapeline is generally better for larger gardens and parks. The larger 13mm drip line uses ‘turbonet’ dripper. Because of its larger diameter Scapeline can be run over longer distances than Miniscape. Tube Size: O.D. 16.0mm, I.D. 13.0mm. Operating Pressure 50-400kpa (5-4Om) Techline performs best in large gardens and parks and a steep slopes or changing topography. The Techline is a 13mm I.D. drip line which uses a “RAM” pressure compensating and self-cleaning dripper, which is extruded into the internal wall of the drip tube. Available with two different flow rates and an assortment of drip spacings, this tube is ideal for all landscape and turf irrigation situations. Techline with its pressure compensating dripper will deliver a uniform discharge rate over both long distances and undulating landscapes. Tube Size: O.D. 16.0mm, I.D. 13.0mm. Operating Pressure Range: 50-400kpa (5-4Om) UniRam is the world’s most advanced dripper. The UniRam is a 14.4mm I.D. drip line which incorporates all of the benefits of Techline. It also has extra features which make UniRam unique. It has both an anti-suckback and a non-leakage device. UniRam also has a mechanical root intrusion barrier. The anti-suckback mechanism prevents soil being sucked back into the drip opening. In addition UniRam also features the non leakage device, improved internal filter and other benefits which make UniRam the prefered choice for sub-surface applications. Tube Size: O.D. 16.4mm, I.D. 14.4mm. Operating Pressure: 100-35Okpa (1O-35m) Bioline (lavender uniram) — Waste Water Dispersal Bioline incorporates UniRam drip technology in a lavender coloured tube to conform to international standards for wastewater dispersal. Bioline features the non-leakage device, which prevents possible ponding of waste water when the system is shut off. p17 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Albert Promenade - Mitzpeh Ramon, Israel. The promenade extends for 2.5 kilometers along the top of Machtesh Ramon in the heart of the Negev Desert where temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees centigrade and annual precipitation is less than 100mm. The promenade was designed to be in keeping with the natural desert surrounds. Minimal vegetation was included. Instead hardscape elements were constructed to frame views and create a feeling of man living in unison with nature. A desolate, unforgiving landscape, yet still vegetation survives with no assistance from man. An example at Albert Promenade where the landscape involves no vegetation, but is still softened and has soothing feel despite the harsh surrounding environment. p18 Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles This illustrates Netafim’s recycled black water drip-irrigation system. Netafim worked with other companies and the government to produce the technology and systems required for the use of recycled black water. The recycling process meant that Israel was now an exporter of agricultural crops, including dates, olives, grapes, cotton and citrus products as well as a host of other local market products. The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, researches water sciences and technology with applications in water resource management, wastewater treatment and bioremediation. Not only does the Institute research these issues, but it has developed a University Campus, which incorporates it all. Everything from drought tolerant flora, irrigation with treated sewage water, lawn alternatives, hard and softscape balances and stormwater collection units. Recycled water and drip-irrigation are paramount to the survival of open space/ green areas. Plant selection is also critical because Israel is characterized by arid conditions and poor sandy soils. Plant selection will ideally provide these open spaces with flora that will survive under such conditions, whilst still providing an aesthetic appearance. p19 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Israel’s sand soils are low in nutrients and have average water retention capacity. Fertigation is therefore an important addition to the irrigation system. It allows for nutrient injection and pH control/ management. It is essential to select plant species that will tolerate very poor soils and that is why many native Australian species are used is Israel. Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass, which occurs naturally and has a relatively high water content. It can be used on podium landscape treatments and in situations of high salinity. Alternatively Hydrocells, which are provided locally by Fytogreen can also be incorporated in to these landscapes. p20 TEL AVIV James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Source: EDAW Australia Source: EDAW Australia Tel Aviv, the capital city of Israel was established in 1925. The landscape today occupies 10 per cent of the city area, with five per cent of the city’s potable water dedicated to landscape and open space. The landscape is characterized by the use of block sandstone, planter and turf areas and colourful annual plantings, which are irrigated via a computerised control centre. The average rainfall is 200mm per annum. The soil has a poor, sandy structure with a 6.5 - 7.5 pH range. There are no organic soils used and the irrigation system with a fertigation unit is essential in managing the landscape. Three per cent of the city budget is used for landscape maintenance. The city is converting spray irrigation to drip systems with 30 per cent water saving and 40 per cent reduction in maintenance costs and in loss by vandalism. From 2003 Tel Aviv has used 40 per cent recycled water for irrigation. p21 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia HAIFA - BAHAI GARDENS Haifa is a port city to the north of Tel Aviv. The formal streetscapes and colourful annual plantings are an extension of the Bahai Gardens and provide a formal link to the port. The Bahai Gardens are an expression of grandeur both in scale and in the ornate landscape finishes. Superb craftsmanship rivals the great renaissance gardens. There are 18 formal terraces, nine above the central focus of the tomb of the Prophet and nine below. The Gardens are 20Ha in area and are a series of terraces with grades of 1:2 either planted or turfed: they are meticulously maintained. p22 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Bahai Gardens incorporate intricate detail with a broad array of materials and plant matter creating a colourful and exotic landscape. However, in contrast, the gardens can be very simple to highlight views, buildings or elements. There is a strong contrast in pavement material including cut stone, unit pavers and the use of crushed terracota. All water flows from the top of the gardens and therefore simplifies the hydraulics, as well as irrigation and reticulation strategies. The gardens are beautifully detailed with sandstone stairs and wall facings, furnishings, sculptures and urns which create formality. Annuals and the strong, tiered, hedging of planting areas reinforce the formal structure while water elements create ambience and activity. p23 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Desert and oasis - the two terms belong together. The one cannot be imagined without the other. ‘Arab’, a Semitic word, describes the barren desert. An Arab is therefore a person who does not live in a city, but roams the desert. But the desert is a habitat for humans only where there are oases within attainable distances. Both a balanced water management and the application of design criteria are needed; the plants selected should be drawn from the natural plant community as far as possible. p24 Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles APPROPRIATE PLANTS FOR THE UAE SCREEN TREES / LARGE SHRUBS (screening) HWD – High, MWD – Medium & LWD – Low Water Demand Conocarpus erectus (LWD) Conocarpus lancifolius (LWD) LARGE SHADE TREES / PALMS CATEGORY 1 – Extensive use all areas Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm – HWD) Prosopis cinerea (Ghaf – LWD) Azaderachta indica (Neem -Not natural areas MWD) CATEGORY 2- Secondary use, all but natural areas Ficus religiosa (Peepul Tree – MWD) Azaderachta indica (Sidr – LWD) Albizzia lebbek (MWD) CATEGORY 3 - Minor use, all but natural areas Acacia Arabica (LWD) Coccoloba uvifera (MWD) Ficus infectoria (MWD) Ficus salicifolia (MWD) Hibiscus tiliaceous (MWD) Mangifera indica (Mango – HWD) Pithecelobium dulce (Manila Tamarind – MWD) Pongamia pinnata (MWD) Peltophorum inerme (Rusty Shield Bearer – MWD) Thespesia populnea (MWD) Terminalia arjuna (MWD) Tamarind -Tamarindus indica (MWD) CATEGORY 4 - Limited use, mainly parks Ficus macrocarpa ‘Benjamina’ (MWD) Delonix regia (Bird of Paradise Tree - MWD) Ficus bengalensis (Bangalay – MWD) Cassia fistula (MWD) Chorisia speciosa (MWD) Citrus limon (MWD) Terminalia catappa (Indian Almond – HWD) Millingtonia hortensis (Jasmine Tree – MWD) Tabebuia rosea (MWD) Tabebuia spectabilis (MWD) Washingtonia robusta (Cotton Palm – MWD) Lawsonia inermis (Henna – LWD) Nerium mascatense (Oleander – MWD) Thevetia peruviana (MWD) Zizyphus Spina Christi (MWD) SMALL TREES/LARGE SHRUBS (not natural areas) CATEGORY 1 – General use Tecoma stans (MWD) Tecomella undulate (LWD) Parkinsonia aculeate (LWD) Punica granatum (MWD) Vitex agnus castis (LWD) CATEGORY 2 Limited use (special locations) Plumeria obtuse (MWD) Plumeria rubra (MWD) Cordia sebestena (MWD) Calliandra haematocephala (MWD) Ficus carica (MWD) FEATURE PLANTS Cycas revolute (Cycad – MWD) Nanorrhops ritcheana (Dwarf Palm – MWD) Ravenala madagascariensis (Travelers Palm – HWD) Washingtonia robusta (Cotton Palm, Hardy – MWD) Musa accuminata (Banana – HWD) Arundo donax (Giant Reed, Hardy – MWD) CLIMBING PLANTS FOR TRELLIS AND PERGOLAS Antigonon leptopus (MWD) Clitoria ternata (MWD) Clytostoma callistegioides (MWD) Cryptostegia madagascarensis (MWD) Jasminum azoricum (MWD) Jasminum officinale (MWD) Bougainvillea spectabilis (MWD) Petrea volubilis (MWD) Pentas lanceolata (MWD) p25 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia WADIS, DUNE EDGES (indigenous species only) Acacia Arabica (LWD) Acacia tortilis (LWD) Aerva javanica (Dunes - LWD) Calligonum comosum (Dunes - LWD) Caparis spinosa (LWD) Cassia italica (LWD) Cordia myxa (LWD) Dodonaea viscose (LWD) Haloxylon salicornicum (Dunes - LWD) Heliotropium calcarium (LWD) Indegofera intricate (LWD) CATEGORY 2 – Limited use Acalypha wilkesiana (MWD) Jasminum sambac (MWD) Hibiscus rosa sinensis (MWD) Ixora coccinea (MWD) Dombeya walichii (MWD) Euphorbia fulgens (MWD) Plumbago auriculata (MWD) Tabernaemontana divaricata (MWD) Nanorrhops ritcheana (LWD) Ochradenis arabicus (Dunes - LWD) Prosopis cinerea (Dunes - LWD) Zizyphus Spina Christi (LWD) Tecomella undulatum (LWD) Moringa perigrina (LWD) Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Dunes -LWD) Salvadora persica (LWD) Boerhavia elegans (LWD) HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, SUCCULENTS AND GRASSES CATEGORY 1 – General Use Agave attenuate (LWD) Agave species (LWD) Aloe striata (LWD) Aloe species (LWD) Pennesetum setaceum (LWD) Pennesetum villosum (LWD) Pennesetum species (LWD) SHRUBS CATEGORY 1- General use Adenium obesum (LWD) Atriplex cinerea (LWD) Bougainvillea glabra (LWD) Bougainvillea spectabilis (LWD) Caesalpinia pulcherrima (LWD) Cassia italica (LWD) Dodonaea viscose (LWD) Leucophylum frutescens (LWD) Vinca- Catharanthus rosea (LWD) Clerodendrum inerme (LWD) p26 CATEGORY 2- Limited use Canna indica (HWD) Cyperus involucratis (HWD) Crinum pedunculatum (MWD) Ruellia species (MWD) Hymenocallis festalis (MWD) Iresene herbstii (MWD) Senecio cinerea (MWD) James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles GROUND COVER PLANTS AND TURF GRASS CATEGORY 1: General use Sesuvium portulacastrum (LWD) Sesuvium verrucosum (LWD) Antigonon leptopus (LWD) Gazania species (LWD) Lippia nodiflora (LWD) Clitoria ternate (LWD) CATEGORY 2- Limited use The list above identifies Low Water Demand (LWD) species, Medium Water Demand (MWD) and High Water Demand (HWD). All MWD and HWD species have a low water requirement during the winter months. The Date Palm requires high water supply in early and late summer. Seasonal flowers are not included on the list because most seasonal flowers are of HWD category. The list is an example of what is being used in the region at present. Additional indigenous species exist, but are not being cultivated at present. Furthermore additional species from similar climatic zones could also be employed. Paspalum vaginatum (HWD) Alternanthera species (MWD) Arctotis species (MWD) Carissa macrocarpa (MWD) Dimorphetheca hybrids (MWD) Rhoeo discolour (MWD) Tradescantia pallida (MWD) Verbena tenuisecta (MWD) Wedelia trilobata (MWD) Lantana camara (MWD) Succulents, such as certain species of Agave, tolerate dry harsh conditions and should be exploited for their hardy attributes as well as their sculptural form. Shrubs are generally used as background to contain space, exploit seasonal colour at flowering time, give fragrance or contribute to a special effect. However, shrubs require significant amounts of maintenance and without the right management plan the design intent will never be realised. Turf grass should be replaced with LWD ground covers, such as Dymondia margaretae and Lampranthus filicaulis. Tree species should all possess LWD attributes. Some tree species such as the icon species the Date Palm, and the best shade providers, Neem, Ghaf and Ficus religiosa should be widely planted in new areas and places which are in need of shade trees. They should be subjected to better irrigation control. Accent plants are important because they provide a sense of significance to a place. Accent plants are widely used: they are generally perennial plants such as Pennesetum grass, Agave species and Canna. The grasses are sometimes used as monocultures, sweeping over dune shaped forms and the Canna and Agave species are silhouetted against the thick grass backdrop to give contrasting, or harmonizing, colour. p27 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia DUBAI Dubai has the largest populous of the United Arab Emirates and is the second largest emirate after Abu Dhabi. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 6% of its GDP. The emirate’s revenues are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ)[2] and, increasingly, from tourism. With enormous construction and development in various industries, Dubai has attracted world attention through innovative real estate projects, sports events, conferences and Guinness records. However, this increased attention, coinciding with its emergence as a world business hub have also highlighted potential human rights concerns by usage of its largely immigrant workforce. Source: EDAW Australia Dubai has developed a landscape, which is wholly water dependent. It is almost as if designers on the instruction of the sheiks have ignored Mother Nature. These unsustainable landscapes have forced the sheiks to generate huge quantities of desalinated sea water and the incorporation of treated sewage water for exterior landscapes. p28 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Source: EDAW Australia Jameirah hotel - Designed as a little Venice Dubai has an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and sunshine all year round. The hottest months are between June and September, when temperatures can reach 45°C and more during the day, and humidity levels are very high. Even the sea temperature touches 40°C during the summer months, and, during summer swimming pools at hotels are usually cooled to be refreshing. Temperatures are only slightly more moderate the rest of the year, the coolest time being between December and March. There is very little rainfall in Dubai, but when showers do fall it is mainly in the cooler months. p29 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia The luxury hotels generally employ modernist design principles. The landscape therefore requires minimal maintenance and irrigation with the perfect balance of hard and softscape elements. Shaded places where children can be involved, uder supervision, with water for play are provided. Availability of hard landscape materials is a factor of economic reality. Because contrete-based products are readily available and inexpensive, they form the predominant landscape material. Gravels and stabilized sand are increasingly being used as a surface in place of groundcover, an example in the case of limestone coloured gravel and red sand in combination to create an interesting groundcover. Water falling, water jumping, water bubbling and water sliding thinly over polished stone all work if they are of intimate scale and combine with patterns of light and shade. Source: EDAW Australia p30 Source: EDAW Australia Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Source: EDAW Australia Both lawn areas and seasonal flowers need to be used less extensively. They should be related to special places and grown where high quality intensive maintenance is assured. As a general rule, annual flowers require considerably more irrigation than perennials or especially, grasses and low growing ground covers and shrubs. Source: EDAW Australia The substantial number of pools and water features which exist throughout Dubai are filled with desalinated water. There is obviously a huge amount of evaporation, but a necessary luxury for a 7-star or even 5-star hotel. The pools are heated in winter and cooled in summer. As well as providing potable water the desalination plants also make a significant contribution to Dubai’s electricity. p31 Source: EDAW Australia Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Royal Meridian At present desalinated water is employed for interior uses; the grey and black water is then treated together and reused for exterior purposes. The Royal Meridian Hotel is 10 years old, but is consistently updating its irrigation system. It has recently converted to a drip irrigation system which uses treated sewage water. The lawn is Seashore paspalum, which will tolerate small quantities of saline water. That is fortunate because the lawn is located on reclaimed land from drifting sands. p32 Reducing the overall density of planting and choosing appropriate drought tolerant plants, together with good irrigation practice and management, will be the key to more sustainable outcomes. Moreover, the management of water resources requires a balance between soft and hard landscape spaces, creating interesting places by clever use of pavements and other hard surfaces well-coordinated with limited planting and well-designed and appropriate furnishings / structures. Green and lush hotel landscapes in contrast to the surrounding desert - Royal Meridian Hotel Most landscapes in Dubai, especially the newer developments are irrigated with treated sewage water. That benefits the landscape in two ways: the first is the obvious necessity of photosynthesis through water consumption; the second is fertilization. The treated sewage water is a natural fertilizer, which provides considerable assistance to the plants. James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles The Royal Meridian is a well designed hotel. All water inside the hotel and all swimming pools are filled with desalinated water. All wastewater from the hotel’s interior is recycled on site and reused on all landscaped areas and in some water features (see bellow). The hardstand areas direct all storm water into water features or pools thereby maximising the use of the water available. Royal Meridian chilled kids pool Desalination provides Dubai with potable water and, as a secondary benefit electricity. Desalination requires the removal of the majority of dissolved and suspended particles. This involves removing the salt and other ions from the water. The potable water is used in hotels, restaurants and housing and is then recycled as black water. There is no distinction between black and grey water. It is recycled as one. The Class A treated sewage water is used outdoors. Environmental damage occurs from sewage entering marine environments, so the more treated sewage water is used on landscapes the better. Royal Meridian Royal Meridian’s treated sewage water feature (above). It is located away from cafes, bars and sun bathers. It is purely for visual stimulation, a perfect application for a recycled water feature. Being located beneath shade offers further benefits as there is less evaporation. Safa Park Safa Park These older style water features in Safa Park (above and right) were constructed early in Dubai’s development. Dubai has advanced considerably since the design and construction of Safa Park. These water feature are crude, but they use recycled water. p33 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Hedging shrubs generally use more water, but there are several exotic types, including Buxus, Cupressus and Oleander species, which are xerophytic: as well Australian Grevillea and Callistemon species, are great hedging plants for arid environments. Urban pathways are independent of the road and, wherever possible, shade and shelter trees are used. Allocasuarina (She-oak) grove with granitic sands beneath (above). There is a lack of organic mulch types in the Middle East, so where organic mulch types would usually be used to keep the moisture in the soil, gravel or inorganic mulches are incorporated. Safa Park’s large expanse of lawn (above) looks extravagant, however, the lawn is Seashore paspalum, which is drought resistant and is tolerant to salt. It is a great lawn for arid and salty environments. The turf does not have much need of nutrients from the soil, which is ideal for Dubai’s desert location. Plant selection is generally from two sourcesfirst, indigenous trees, shrubs, groundcovers and flowering perennials; secondly additional plants of similar cultivation and drought tolerance. Royal Meridien Landscape p34 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Source: EDAW Australia The Nad Al Sheba Racetrack Artificial Paradise - Dubai p35 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Source: EDAW Australia Aerial View of Al Mamzar Park - Dubai Aerial View of Freeway Intersections and Complementary Landscapes - Dubai p36 Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles AL AIN Al Ain, is named the Oasis City, a term which is entirely appropriate. Al Ain’s cultural heritage as an Arab City is linked to its oases which provide food and sanctuary for its population. The oases sit within the beauty and harshness of the desert. The desert gives the oases meaning. ‘Garden’ in modern use, implies a decorative origin and ignores Al Ain’s cultural heritage. Many cities claim the title “Garden City”, some with justification. Al Ain can justifiably and honestly claim to be an Oasis City, a term which perpetuates the deep traditions of this region and paints a picture in the mind of visitors. Aerial of Al Ain ‘The Oasis City’ Source: EDAW Australia Al Ain is typified by wadis (periodically inundated river beds), dune fields, jebel and ridges, woodlands of indigenous flora and the gravel plains where the aquifers are recharged. This is quite a natural setting. The challenge for the people of Al Ain is to see if they can design and live in a harmonious and sustainable way with the natural attractions it possesses at present. The city should be sustainable, and well planned emphasizing its natural context, not concealing it behind modern marvels. A point of difference is required. p37 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Where increased urban development has encroached on their periodic flow paths, the wadis are contained by stone walls. The Wadis may erode, and sweep away, all in their path. Increased civilization has led to the Wadis containment; however the annual native vegetation and periodic plants (which spring up after a flow) may still been seen. Wadi in an Urban Environment The Wadis have a fascinating duality, which is more obvious higher into the mountains, but still relevant lower on the alluvial fan. The upper reaches of a wadi are dangerous; boulders crash against each other, eventually being ground into sand; water undermines even the most solid edges (water that can drown a person in seconds). Yet it is also the water that brings life, recharges the aquifer, and carries down a new layer of fines to augment the soil of the oasis. Absent for most of the year, a latent negative, they are suddenly and momentarily the focus of the village or town. Source: EDAW Australia Wadi occasionally flows in time of flood – Al Ain Al Ain Desert landscape Al Ain at present is more sensitive to the natural and man-made environments than are the other Emirates. Al Ain has further opportunity to develop sustainably by limiting the irrigated landscapes to those which can be sustained by treated sewage effluent. As more sewage effluent is treated and used on landscapes, less is deposited in the surrounding seas. p38 Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Source: EDAW Australia Al Ain is at this stage several steps behind the other Emirates. There is, therefore, greater opportunity to provide sustainable development as well as landscaping and water saving improvements. At present the landscape is uninteresting, especially along Abu Dhabi Road. This could be improved by incorporating attractive xerophytic trees and low maintenance groundcovers and grasses. At present there are unattractive trees and maintenance-intensive hedges. The plantings should be well-defined and of distinctive character, with drought tolerant attributes. Generally, major arterial roads require grandeur, with emphasis on date palms and other drought tolerant accent plants to highlight the importance of the area. In contrast smaller residential roads require shade rather than grandeur. Heat is obviously a major issue, so ideally all residential roadside landscapes should provide shaded walkways and places to sit and meet. That will create a landscape character which should be appealing all year round, simple to maintain and xerophytic. There are many and varied examples of xeriscape shade plants, Allocasuarina species being one example. The statuesque dunes beside several of Al Ain’s approaches with their uncompromising aridity make a strong contrast to the shaded, green, highly productive environment of oases of Al Ain. The fact that Al Ain possesses natural oases is more reason not to make it an artificial oasis like Dubai. The traditional oases will loose the power to excite and attract if too much artificial development occurs. In keeping with its title of Oasis City, the foremost icon of the Al Ain’s landscape is the series of oases, which is dominated by the Date Palm. The Date Palm is the most obvious part of that heritage having been cultivated since the Bronze Age. p39 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and was also the largest of the former Trucial States: it is in the north central region of the UAE. Abu Dhabi is also the name of the capital of the Emirate. The city lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. An estimated 1,000,000 people lived there in 2000, of whom about 80 per cent were expatriates. Abu Dhabi has approximately 70% of the country’s entire wealth. Al Ain is Abu Dhabi’s second largest urban area with a population of 348,000 (2003 census estimate) and is located 150 kilometres inland. The emirate of Abu Dhabi lies to the south of the emirate of Dubai. Abu Dhabi city is on an island lying 200 - 300 metres from the mainland. Abu Dhabi city is modern, with broad boulevards, tall office and apartment buildings, and busy shops. Principal thoroughfares are The Corniche, Airport Road, Sheikh Zayed Street, Hamdan Street and Khalifa Street. Many streets are known for specialized businesses that tend to cluster on them. Hamdan Street is the main shopping street, Khalifa Street is lined with banks, Al Najdha Street is known for hardware stores, Defense St is filled with mobile telephone shops and Sheikh Zayed St (Also known as Electra Street) is the computer street. Abu Dhabi city is renowned in the region for its greenery; the former desert strip today includes numerous parks and gardens. Key buildings include the Qasr al-Hosn (a.k.a. Old Fort or White Fort), Clock Tower (now demolished due to construction of the new Corniche), headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its many operating-company subsiduaries, and the Cultural Foundation. The Corniche, which was re-developed in 2005, is now one of the best sea front parks in the Gulf. p40 Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Phoenix dactylifera used to good effect to frame and direct visitors to the Abu Dhabi Royal Palace. Sunken planters and significant hardscape elements are employed to reduce water requirements and utilise the infrequent rain events. Extravagant Water Feature Xeriscape landscape matches architectural grandeur which is the Royal Palace Symmetry of the landscape is in keeping with the Palace. The water features on the northern side of the building are more subtle and less wasteful. A water wise balance of hard and soft landscape elements is incorporated to great effect through order, high quality furnishing, and hard/ soft landscape treatments. Hard landscape materials introduced at key locations can dramatically reduce the water demand of an area. View Northeast through to the Palace. Extravagant use of desalinated water in an extensive water feature. p41 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Royal Palace Car Park incorporates Bougainvillea, xeriscape groundcovers, many varieties of drought tolerant palms and other hardy perennials. Expansive lawn area of Seashore paspalum with a grove of traditional Date Palms Emphasis should be placed on reducing the quantities of grassed areas. Turf areas should only be for the highest category of road, centre or playing field. Turf grass on roundabouts, centre reservations and other public areas that are not of highest status should be replaced with other groundcover plants requiring low water and low maintenance; examples include Dymondia margaretae and Lampranthus filicaulis. Parks and tourist areas would retain turf where necessary. This way, grass will come to be seen as ‘special’, a luxury item for special areas and people. Where lawn is essential, Paspalum vaginatum and suitable hybrids of this species would be the best suited varieties to be grown. If lawn is not well maintained or irrigated then it is not a worthy part of the landscape. Royal Palace Entrance Road. A substantial number of annuals or season flowers have been used; they are not ideal, because they have a considerable water requirement. Ideally prostrate groundcovers and low growing shrubs should have been used. p42 A Desalinated Water Park where no expense was spared. The plantings are designed for minimal water requirements and consist of Gazanias, Bougainvillea and Oleanders. James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Sunken tree planters (above): the non-porous paving alllows storm water to irrigate the trees. Use of intertwined low growing groundcovers and small Oleander shrubs creates a great effect especially when viewed from above. Appropriate choices can make a huge difference to water consumption and maintenance aspects of the landscape. The Falaj, an ancient irrigation system, (right) is known to have been first developed by the Magam civilization. It has also been part of the heritage of the Al Ain region for over 3000 years. The Falaj carries water to flood irrigate agricultural crops and Date Palms plantations. A significant aspect of the Falaj is that it was constructed in a shaded, or partlyshaded, context to reduce evaporation Agriculture surrounded by desert – Abu Ahabi (below) Falaj - Agricultural Irrigation Channel, Abu Dhabi As well as being renowned for its oil reservoirs Abu Dhabi also has a long history of agriculture. Crops in some case still are irrigated through Falaj systems, as detailed above. p43 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia SPAIN Spain’s history with xeriscape landscapes commenced with the conquering Moors in 719 AD. The Moors remained supreme from the southern coast to the Pyrenees for many centuries until the Spanish Reconquista that culminated in the Sultan of Granada walking away from his beloved Alhambra Palace because he did not want it to be destroyed. Fortunately, this legacy lives on and many people from all round the globe make the pilgrimage to one of the best xeriscape examples in the world. p44 ALHAMBRA, GRANADA James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles p45 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Source: EDAW Australia The Alhambra’s La Alcazaba is an impressive military fortification c. 9th century, and was modified by Muhammad III, in 13th century, to be his private residence. Comming from arid North Africa, the Moors were obsessed with the idea of water and vegetation. Water installations were constructed and a system of bringing water from the nearby Darro River, which flows from the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. That enabled fountains and reflecting pools to be installed and an air of freshness created by the surrounding grounds with all kinds of greenery. Patio of the Myrtles with its mirror effect pool was carefully designed so that the entrance of the water flows placidly and does not to break the reflection. Patio of the Mytles The Moors were the world innovators of irrigation, reticulation and water feature design at the height of their dominance around the start of the thirteenth century. Through exquisite grading, paving and the development of a water transportation and open drainage system through the use of rills the Moors were able to provide an outdoor airconditioning system through the celebration of water the appropriate use of greenery. Source: EDAW Australia p46 Patio of the Mytles James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Source: EDAW Australia Court of the Lions (Patio de los Arrayanes) The Alhambra and the Generalife, or summer home of the Sultan, both reflect Arab beliefs which associate Paradise with the purifying and life-giving elements of water and with related refreshing vegetation and shade. The Moors were the masters of water design for their time. The only period which can match the Moors water design and celebration is the Italian Renaissance two centuries later. The Villa d’Este in Tivoli, Rome, is an example which is of similar merit. However the Italians did not have the same restrictions as the Moors; the environment and conditions in Granada are a lot harsher and more arid than those of Tivoli. From the tower, Torre de la Vela, you have a great view over the town. p47 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia The water features dotted all around the Alhambra have a remarkable cooling effect in an otherwise hot dusty environment. Green walls also improve the micro climate. The green walls consist of cupressus hedges, climbing bouganvillea and roses as well as wisteria arbors and oleander walkways. Bi-pinnate shade trees are employed to great effect, and provide respite from the hot sun. All of the plants are of low to medium water requirement, such as Buxus sempervirens, Nerium oleander, cupressus species, rose species, wisteria species and citrus species. p48 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Handrail with refreshing cold water straight from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Attention to detail is second to none. The Moors used gravity to transport their water, so whilst in transit, they harnessed the precious resource for their benefit. Irrigation of garden beds was done through gravity and grading. The garden beds are always sunken and higher at one end, so the water is able to flow to all of the plants. There is extensive array of colour, texture and shape in the xerophytic plants. Example of the Moors’ use of gravity to create beautiful water freatures and water their plants. The centre narrow channel in the illustration below is a rill and was a means of water transportation for the Moors. These irrigation / reticulation methods predate the Italian and French Renaissance period of villa construction. p49 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION FOR SPAIN Xeriscape Plants for Different Uses Lantana montevidensis selections GROUND COVERS Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ Acacia redolens Pittosporum tobira ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ Aptenia cordifolia Punica granatum dwarf selections Some Baccharis spp. Rhaphiolepis indica dwarf selections Carpobrotus chilensis Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ Carpobrotus edulis Ruellia californica Convolvulus mauritanicus Some Salvia spp. Dalea capitata Santolina chamaecyparissus Dalea greggii Gazania rigens Hedera canariensis Some Juniperus spp. Lantana montevidensis & prostrate hybrids Myoporum parvfolium Ophiopogon japonicus Osteospermum fruticosum Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ Trachelospermum asiaticum Trachelospermum jasminoides Verbena hybrids Vinca spp. SMALL SHRUBS or Shrub-Size Plants (0.8 to 1.2m high) Asciepias linaria Buxus microphylla japonica Calliandra eriophylla Carissa macrocarpa selections Convolvulus cneorum Some Cotoneaster spp. Euryops pectinatus Ilex vomitoria ‘Stokes’ Some Justicia spp. Lagerstroetnia indica dwarf selections Lantana camara selections p50 MEDIUM SHRUBS (to 1.8m high) Abelia grandflora Some Atriplex spp. Baccharis sarothroides Some Caesalpinia spp. Calliandra californica Callistemon citrinus Carissa macrocarpa Some Cotoneaster spp. Dodonaea viscosa Elaeagnus angustfolia Elaeagnus ebbingei Euonymus japonica Feijoa sellowiana Some Juniperus spp. Some Leucophyllum spp. Ligustrum japonicum Ligustrum lucidum Myrtus communis Nandina domestica selections Nerium oleander selections Osmanthus fragrans Photinia fraseri Photinia serrulata Pittosporum tobira James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Some Pyracantha spp. SMALL TREES (to 6m high) Some Ficus spp. Rhaphiolepis indica selections Some Acacia spp. Fraxinus velutina Some Senna spp. Albizia julibrissin Geijera parviflora Simmondsia chinensis Some Bauhinia spp. Gleditsia triacanthos inermis Viburnum suspensum Caesalpinia mexicana Parkinsonia aculeata Viburnum tinus Cercidium spp. Pinus thunbergiana Xylosma congestum Chilopsis linearis Citrus selections (dwarf root stock) LARGE SHRUBS (to 3m high) Callistemon citrinus Cocculus laurfolius Some Cotoneaster spp Dodonaea viscosa selections Elaeagnus ebbingei Euonymus fortunei Euonymus japonica Feijoa sellowiana Some Juniperus spp. Laurus nobilis Ligustrum japonicum Ligustrum lucidum Nerium oleander selections Photinia fraseri Cordia boissieri Elaeagnus angustfolia Eriobotrya japonica Geijera parviflora Ligustrum lucidum Melia azedarach Nerium oleander Olea europaea ‘Swan Hill’ Photinia fraseri Pithecellobium flexicaule Pithecellobium mexicanum Pittosporum phillyraeoides Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Majestic Beauty’ Vitex angus-castus Xylosma congestum Photinia serrulata LARGE TREES (over 12.2m high) Araucaria bidwillii Carya illinoensis Some Casuarina spp. Some Cedrus spp. and selections Cupressus arizonica Cupressus sempervirens Dalbergia sissoo Some Eucalyptus spp. Gleditsia triacanthos inermis Grevillea robusta Phoenix canariensis Phoenix dactylfera Some Pinus spp. Pistacia chinensis Platanus acerfolia Platanus racemosa Platycladus orientalis MEDIUM TREES (to 12.2m high) Some Populus spp. Punica granatum Acacia visco Some Quercus spp. Some Pyracantha spp. Ailanthus altissima Washingtonia filifera Rhus ovata Casuarina stricta Washingtonia robusta Sophora secundiflora Cercidium floridum Tecoma alata hybrid Cercis canadensis Tecoma stans Chitalpa tashkentensis Vauquelinia calfornica Chorisia speciosa Viburnum suspensum Cupressus arizonica Viburnum tinus Cupressus sempervirens Xylosma congestum Some Eucalyptus spp. VINES & WALL PLANTS Antigonon leptopus Bougainvillea spp. Campsis radicans Clytostoma callistegioides Euonymus fortunei Euonymus japonica p51 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Fatshedera lizei Cocculus laurfolius Celtis pallida Feijoa sellowiana Cycas revoluta Celtis reticulata Ficuspumila Dodonaea viscosa Dyssodia pentachaeta Gelsemium sempervirens Elaeagnus ebbingei Eupatorium greggii Hardenbergia violacea Ilex vomitoria ‘Stokes’ Hesperaloe funifera Hedera canariensis Some Justicia spp. Hesperaloe parvflora Some Jasminum spp. Laurus nobilis Some Justicia spp. Parthenocissus quinquefolia Myrtus communis Lantana camara Podranea ricasoliana Nandina domestica Lantana montevidensis Some Pyracantha spp. Nerium oleander Penstemon spp. Trachelospermum jasminoides Photinia fraseri Some Pyracantha spp. Vigna caracalla Photinia serrulata Some Salvia spp. Wisteria floribunda Plumbago auriculata Tecoma alata hybrid. Rhaphiolepis indica Tecoma stans Sophora secundiflora Verbena hybrids Tecomaria capensis Vitex angus-castus Trachelospermum asiaticum Zauschneria calfornica latfolia REALLY TOUGH PLANTS Acacia constricta Acacia greggii Atriplex spp. Baccharis sarothroides Brahea armata Dodonaea viscosa Trachelospermum jasminoides Vaquelinia calfornica FRAGRANT PLANTS (Sweet) Vinca spp. Acacia farnesiana Xylosma congestum Buddleia davidii Ferocactus spp. Opuntia spp. PLANTS THAT ATTRACT BIRDS Parkinsonia aculeata Some Acacia spp. Phoenix dactylifera Ageratum corymbosum Prosopis spp. Some Aloe spp Tamarix aphylla Asciepias linaria Vinca major Asciepias subulata Washingtonia filifera Buddleia davidii Washingtonia robusta Buddleia marrubfolia Some Caesalpinia spp. CLEAN POOLSIDE PLANTS Asparagus densflorus selections Carissa macro carpa Chamaerops humilis Some Citrus spp. p52 Calliandra calfornica Calliandra eriophylla Callistemon citrinus Callistemon viminalis Carnegiea gigantea Carissa macrocarpa Citrus spp. Elaeagnus ebbingei Gardenia jasminoides Jasminum grandflorum Jasminum sambac Lonicera japonica ‘Hallmark’ Osmanthus fragrans Pittosporum phillyraeoides Pittosporum tobira Sophora secundiflora Trachelospermum asiaticum Trachelospermum jasminoides James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles AROMATIC PLANTS (Strong) Some Leucophyllum spp. TRANSITIONAL PLANTS Cupressus arizonica Nerium oleander (Plants used b/w different zones) Cupressus sempervirens Plumbago auriculata Some Acacia spp. Eucalyptus cinerea Some Pyracantha spp. Some Agave spp. Eucalyptus citriodora Some Salvia spp. Some Aloe spp. Some Juniperus spp. Some Senna spp. Some Atriplex spp. Lantana camara Tecoma alata hybrid Some Caesalpinia spp. Lantana montevidensis Tecoma stans Celtis pallida Larrea tridentata Tecomaria capensis Celtis reticulata Laurus nobilis Vitex angus-castus Some Cercidium spp Lavandula spp. Zauschneria cahifornica latfolia Some Dalea spp. Dasylirion wheeleri Myrtus communis Some Pinus spp. Platanus acerfolia Platanus racemosa Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia clevelandii Santolina chamaecyparissus Some Tagetes spp. PLANTS FOR SHADY AREAS (*Require shade to survive) Agave americana ‘Media Picta’ Agave attenuata *Aspidistra elatior *Aucuba japonica Most Begonia spp. Cycas revoluta Dodonaea viscosa Encehiafarinosa 184 Eremophila ‘Valentine’ Justicia calfornica Justicia candicans Lantana camara Lantana montevidensis Some Leucophyllum spp. COLOR PLANTS Elaeagnus ebbingei Antigonon leptopus Fatshedera lizei Bougainvillea hybrids *Fatsia japonica Some Caesalpinia spp. Ficus pumila Cercidium spp. Hedera canariensis Chilopsis linearis selections Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Chitalpa tashkentensis Laurus nobihis Euphorbia pulcherrima Liriope muscari Euphorbia rigida Ophiopogon japonicus MEDITERRANEAN Gazania rigens Oxahis crassipes Acanthus mollis Hesperaloe parviflora Philodendron selloum Some Agave spp. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Trachelospermum asiaticum Some Aloe spp. Some Justicia spp. Trachelospermum jasminoides Bougainvillea spp. Lagerstroemia indica Vinca spp. especially Vinca minor Chamaerops humilis Nolina microcarpa Some Prosopis spp. Rhus lancea Rosmarinus officinalis & cultivars Some Salvia spp. Simmondsia chinensis Tagetes palmeri Lantana camara Citrus spp. Lantana montevidensis Cupressus sempervirens p53 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Laurus nobilis Feijoa sellowiana Larrea tridentata Lavandula spp. Hedera canariensis Some Leucophyllum spp. Myrtus communis Ilex cornuta Mehianthus major Olea europaea Some Juniperus spp. Muhienbergia spp. Phoenix spp. Laurus nobilis Nolina microcarpa Pinus halepensis Ligustrum japonicum Platanus acerifolia Pinus pinea Ligustrum lucidum Platanus racemosa Punica granatum Myrtus communis Plumbago auriculata Quercus ilex Nandina domestica Populus fremontii Quercus suber Nerium oleander Rosa banksiae Rosmarinus officinahis and cultivars Osmanthus fragrans Some Salvia spp. Oriental Photinia fraseri Tagetes palmeri Bambusa spp. Photinia serrulata Vitis vinfera Buxus microphylla japonica Prunus caroliniana Zauschneria calfornica latifolia Cocculus laurifolius Rhaphiolepis indica Dietes spp. Santolina chamaecyparissus Ilex vomitoria ‘Stokes’ Viburnum suspensum Some Juniperus spp. Viburnum tinus Ligustrum japonicum Xylosma congestum Liriope muscari Yucca recurvifolia Myrtus communis Acanthus mollis Some Agave spp. Antigonon leptopus Asparagus spp. Aspidistra elatior INFORMAL (natural landscapes) Aucuba japonica Arundo donax Bambusa spp. Some Atriplex spp. Bauhinia spp. Some Baccharis spp. Bougainvillea spp. Some Caesalpinia spp. Caesalpinia spp. Calliandra calfornica Carissa macrocarpa Calliandra eriophylla Chorisia insignis Campsis radicans Chorisia speciosa Carnegiea gigantea Cocculus laurifolius Some Cotoneaster spp. Cycas revoluta FORMAL / HEDGIN / TOPIARY Encelia farinosa Ensete ventricosum Buxus microphylla japonica Some Eucalyptus spp. Fatshedera lizei Cupressus sempervirens Euphorbia rigida Fatsia japonica Cycas revoluta Hardenbergia violacea Gardenia jasminoides Euonymus japonica Justicia calfornica Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Nandina domestica Ophiopogon japonicus Osmanthus fragrans Phyllostachys aurea Pinus thunbergiana Prunus cerasfera Pyrus kawakamii Vinca minor Wisteria floribunda p54 TROPICAL James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Jacaranda mimosifolia Tecomaria capensis Musa paradisiaca Viburnum suspensum Passflora alatocaerulea Viburnum tinus Paulownia tomentosa Washingtonia filifera Philodendron selloum Washingtonia robusta Plumeria obtusa Plumeria rubra WOODSY Sophora secundiflora Carya illinoensis Strelitzia reginae Cercis spp. Syagrus romanzoffianum Cotoneaster spp. Tecoma alata hybrid Cupressus arizonica Tecoma stans Elaeagnus ebbingei Tecomaria capensis Euonymus fortunei Yucca gloriosa Hedera canariensis Juniperus spp. SUBTROPICAL Acacia farnesiana Acacia smallii Aloe spp. Bougainvillea spp. Caesalpinia spp. Liriope muscari Pinus spp. Quercus spp. Rhaphiolepis indica Syringa persica Wisteria floribunda Calliandra californica Calliandra eriophylla Cercidium spp. Chilopsis linearis Citrus spp. Dalea spp. Lantana camara Lantana montevidensis Lycianthes rantonnei Phoenix spp. Plumbago auriculata Salvia spp. Setcreasea palhida Tecoma alata hybrid Tecoma stans p55 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia View of Malaga Harbour and landscaped promenade Views from Malaga’s La Alcazaba. It is an impressive military fortification, which, like the Alhambra, was a private residence of the Sultan. La Alcazaba is on a rocky hill side where limited vegetation will grow. The lower section of the hill was characterised by second stage xeriscape plants, however, as the hill ascended, the plants changed and Eucalyptus species became dominant. Malaga’s Bull Fighting Ring and Down Town Area Terraced section of the main street and promenade p56 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Malaga, like Granada, was filled with water features despite the arid environment. This is typical of Moorish Architecture, where the outdoor area is considered another room and therefore needs to be cooled. Green walls, hedges and water features were used for this effect. The use of Rills for the transportation of water and irrigation of plants. Balance between hard and softscape elements improves the xeriscape qualities of the landscape. Note, the connection between interior and exterior. Shallow water features were incorporated because of the lack of available water, especially on a rocky hill top. p57 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia This is an example of new paving infrastructure. It is a ramp with outlets which allow storm water to run off the ramp and into the surrounding landscape. Malaga possesses some very interesting paving types both old and new. Traditional Moorish water feature with a distinctive geometric shape. Traditional marble pavers which have warn the test of time. Citrus orchard with granitic sand is a typical southern Spain landscape, which is self sufficient. Combination of the two paving traditions of Andalucia the red stone, which was used to build the Moors’ Alcazabas and the course charcoal marble. Grooves cut into the stone to allow better grip on the marble. Landscape either side for storm water run off. p58 Mosaic paving and representation of Islam were important landscape features, because human and animal representations or statues are forbidden under Islam. New water feature design in Malaga does not leave much to the imagination, but still has a good effect. James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Traditional drainage style where grading is used to harness the storm water into a rill system which irrigates the landscape and feeds the water features. Mixed sized stone and pebble paving slows down the storm-water drainage, so that the sunken tree planters can absorb the water. Drainage holes on top of the Alcazaba walling. Traditionally there would be a moat to catch all of the storm water, but today there is an extensive garden. Traditional tiled roof designed to direct flow into a garden bed or surrounding moat. Moorish grading systems were second to none in the 13th Century. All surfaces were constructed to maximize the storm water run off, then several measures, including rills and ponds, were used to store and maximize the water’s potential. Weep holes, which allow moisture from the earth behind the retaining wall to escape without ruining the wall. p59 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia The Moors were the masters of irrigation design, from sunken tree planters to gravitational irrigation systems. These are examples of Moorish irrigation Urban Gravitational Irrigation practices which are still being implemented with success today. Restored Gravitational Irrigation System Xeriscape Design - Hard/softscape Infrastructure Sunken Citrus Tree Planter Hardscape Elements to Assist in Water Delivery Flood Irrigation, a traditional agricultural practice, which is now made obsolete by subterranean drip irrigation systems. p60 Urban Streetscape in Seville James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Circular Water Feature Octagon Water Feature Expanded Rill for Landscape Aesthetics Hexagon Water Feature Geometric Moorish Water Feature p61 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Hedging plants such as buxus species, ligustrum species and cupressus species are well utilized and provide a formal element to the landscape. Traditional Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera Cascading creepers soften hard elements and generally require minimal water. A preferred xeriscape creeper is Myoporum parviflora. Green Walling provides soothing characteristics and improves the micro climate. In this case the drought tolerant and hardy Ivy is the best result. p62 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles SOUTHWEST UNITED STATES OF AMERICA In the years following the first of the great water diversion projects, just after the end of the Nineteenth Century, water became available for both agriculture and urban growth in places where it had not been before, and the West began turning from browns and greys to bright green, as settlers tried to create lush water-rich landscapes like those of their former homelands in the eastern states and Europe. Cities became green with exotic plants brought from humid zones and supported by irrigation. Such artificial landscapes require enormous quantities of water usually brought hundreds of miles through pipes and channels. In recent years, recognition of the problems associated with the sustainable use of water and the need for its conservation has grown. The Xeriscape movement was developed by landscape professionals and water managers in Denver, Colorado, during a drought in the 1980s to solve what is a common problem, the problem of water wasted in the landscape. The movement has promoted use of drought-tolerant plants, and interest in native plants has become widespread. In a number of projects, landscape architects have planted communities of natives with beautiful and sustainable results. However, the use of local natives has its limitations. They provide a limited selection and cannot provide for all the functions and amenities that humans require in arid lands - for example, shade. Many dry land natives are hard to propagate, grow slowly, and often they are expensive to install. The American solution to this problem was to look to countries of a similar climate, such as Australia. The Americans thus started cultivating eucalyptus species and other Australian natives. p63 Source: Times Atlas The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Source: EDAW Australia The Gardens and Shops at the Arizona Center, Phoenix Arizona Although a higher than average rainfall was recorded in Phoenix during the summer of 2006, the monsoons followed the second driest winter on record on the watersheds that feed Phoenix’s reservoirs. All indications are that the more than a decade-long pattern of below-normal precipitation, both locally and in the watersheds serving Phoenix, will continue. Although aware of its arid location, the City of Phoenix has relied on the Colorado reservoirs for too long. It is only now that the municipality is implementing grey water recycling and maximizing their storm water catchments in the urban environment. Overall Phoenix is designed with xeriscape principles for hard and soft landscapes and Phoenix also has the infrastructure and the resources to implement the appropriate grey water and storm-water solutions in addition to the treated sewage water system in operation at present. p64 VERRADO Buckeye, Arizona Most plants in dry landscapes share certain characteristics of form, which are specifically related to the lack of water, to high levels of solar radiation, and to strong winds. The plants grow low and spread wide, and their leaves are small, often spiky, hairy, waxy or grey. Often, especially in the succulent family, the plants tend to point upward, more or less towards the sun and thus minimise surfaces exposed to desiccating solar rays. Waxy coated leaves enable the plant to reflect ultraviolet radiation, thereby reducing water loss. Succulent leaves are able to retain water inside the leaves. James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Desert Bio-retention Swale, designed for the occasional flash flood. The swale deals with excessive water very quickly, but also possesses enough aesthetic qualities to be an integral part of the permanent landscape, either wet or dry. Hairy leaves are related to xerophytic plants, because this allows the plant to keep moisture close to the plant surface. By presenting a lower profile to the wind and a smaller surface area for emitting water through evapotranspiration the plant is more likely to survive. p65 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION FOR ARIZONA Matthiola longipetala cv. ‘Bicomis’ (Evening Scented Stock) ANNUAL WILDFLOWERS Mentzelia spp. (Blazing Star) Abronia villosa (Sand-verbena) Mimulus bigelovii (Bigelow’s Monkeyflower) Amsinckia intermedia (Fiddleneck) Mohavea confertiflora (Ghost Flower) Argemone pleiacantha (Prickly-poppy) Monarda austromontana (Bee Balm) Camissonia brevipes (Yellow Cups) Monoptilon bellioides (Belly Flower) Camissonia cardiophylla (Heart-leaved Primrose) Nama demissum (Purple Mat) Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) Nama hispidum (Purple Mat) Centaurea rothrockii (Basket Flower) Nemophila maculate (Five Spot) Cirsium neornexicanum (Thistle) Nemophila menziesii (Baby Blue Eyes) Clarkia amoena (Farewell-to-Spring) Oenothera deltoids (Birdcage Evening Primrose) Collinsia heterophylla (Chinese-houses) Oenothera primiveris (Evening Primrose) Coreopsis bigelovii (Desert Coreopsis) Orthocarpus purpurascens (Owl’s Clover) Cosmos spp. (Cosmos) Papaver rhocas (Shirley Poppy) Dimorphotheca spp. (African Daisy) Pectis papposa (Chinch Weed) Eriastrum diffusum (Prickly Stars) Perityle emoryi (Rock Daisy) Eriophyllum lanosum (Woolly Daisy) Phacelia spp. (Scorpion Weed) Eriophyllum wallacei (Woolly Daisy) Plantago spp. (Indian-wheat) Eschscholtzia califomica (California, Mexican Poppy) Platystemon californicus Euphorbia heterophylla (Painted Spurge) Proboscidea parviflora (Devil’s Claw) Gaillardia puichella (Fire Wheel, Blanket Flower) Rafinesquia neomexicana (Desert-chicory) Geraca canescens (Desert Sunflower) Salvia columbariae (Chia) Gilia leptantha (Showy Blue Gilia) Sisymbrium ambiguum (Purple Rocket) Gomphrena globosa (Globe Amaranth) Solanum xanti (Solanum) Helianthus annuus (Wild Sunflower) Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower) Helichrysum bracteatum (Everlasting Daisy) Ursinia spp. (Ursinia) Helipterum spp. (Helipterum) Verbesina encelioides (Golden Crown Beard) Ipomoea cristulata (Morning Glory) Viguiera annua (Golden Eye) Ipornoea leptotoma (Morning Glory) Zinnia angustifolia x elegans (Zinnia ‘Profusion’) (Cream Cups) Kalistroemia grandiflora (Arizona poppy) Lasthenia chrysostoma - Baeria chrysostoma (Goldfield) Layia platyglossa (Tidy Tips) Lesquerella gordonii (Yellow Blanket) Linaria spp. (Toadflax) Linum grandiflorum cv. ‘Rubrum’ (Red Flax) Lupinus arizonicus (Arizona Lupine) Lupinus densiflorus (Lupine) Lupinus sparsiflorus (Desert Lupine) Lupinus succulentus (Arroyo Lupine) Machaeranthera asteroids - Psilactis leptos (Purple Aster) Machacranthera canescens - Aster bigelovii (Blue Aster) Machaeranthcra tanacetifolia – Aster (Tahoka Daisy) Matricaria grandiflora (Pineapple Weed) p66 GRASSES Aristida purpurea (Purple Three-awn) Bothriochloa barbinodis (Cane Bluestem) Bothriochloa gerardii (Big Bluestem) Bouteloua aristidoides (Six-weeks Grama) Bouteloua curtipendula (Side Oats Grama) Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama) Erioneuron puichellum (Fluff grass) Hilaria rigida (Big Galleta) Muhienbergia capillaries (Gulf Muhly) Muhienbergia Dumosa (Giant Muhly) Muhienbergia emersleyi (Bull Grass) Muhienbergia lindheimeri (Lindheimer Muhly) Muhienbergia porteri (Bush Muhly) James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Muhienbergia rigens (Deer Grass) PERENNIAL WILDFLOWERS Muhienbergia rigida (Purple Muhly) Allionia incarnate (Trailing Windmills) Nasella tenuissima - Stipa tdnuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) Ainsonia palmeri (Amsonia) Pennisetum setaceum cv. ‘Cupreum’ (Purple Fountain Grass) Anigozanthos spp. (Kangaroo-paw) Schismus barbatus (Mediterranean Grass) Anisodontea hypomandrum (African Mallow) Setaria macrostachya (Plains Bristlegrass) Arctotis spp. (African Daisy) Sporobolus airoides (Alkali Sacaton) Argemone munita (Prickly Poppy) Sporobolus cryptandrus (Sand Dropseed) Argemone platyceras (Prickly Poppy) Sporobolus wrightii (Big Sacaton) Bahia absinthifolia (Bahia) Trichachne californica (Cotton top) Bailcya multiradiata (Desert Marigold) Berlandiera lyrata (Chocolate Flower) GROUNDCOVERS Castilleja chrornosa (Indian Paintbrush) Acacia spp. (Acacia) Castilleja lanata (Indian Paintbrush) Acalypha monostachya (Rasberry Fuzzies) Conoclinium greggii - Eupatorium greggii (Eupatorium) Asparagus densiflorus cv. ‘Sprengeri’ (Sprenger Asparagus) Datura mctaloidcs - wrightii, inoxia (Sacred Datura, Jimsonweed) Atriplex spp. (Saitbush) Delphinium arnabile (Larkspur) Baccharis pilularis (Coyote Brush) Delphinium scaposum (Barestem Larkspur) Calylophus hartwegii v. fendleri (Sundrops) Dichelostemma puichellum (Bluedicks) Clianthus formosus (Sturt’s Desert Pea) Erigeron divergens (Spreading Fleabane) Convolvulus mauritanicus (Ground Morning Glory) Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy) Dalea spp. (Indigo Bush) Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona Blue Eyes) Eschscholzia Mexicana (Mexican Gold Poppy) Gaura lindheimeri (Desert Orchid) Gazania spp. (Gazania) Glandulaiia gooddingii - Verbena gooddingii (Goodding Verbena) Glandularia bipinnatifida - Verbena bipinnatifida (Verbena) Helianthus maximiliana (Maximilian’s Sunflower) Glandularia peruviana - Verbena peruviana (Peruvian Verbena) Hesperocallis undulate (Ajo Lily) Glandularia rigida - Verbena rigida (Sandpaper Verbena) Hibiscus coulteri (Desert Rose Mallow) Glandularia tenera - Verbena tenera (Moss Verbena) Ipomopsis longiflora (Pale Blue Trumpets) Lantana spp. (Trailing Lantana) Justicia sonorac (Sonoran Justicia) Myoporum parvifolium (Myoporum) Linum lewisii (Blue Flax) Oenothera berlandieri - O.speciosa (Mexican Evening Primrose) Lotus rigidus (Desert Rock Pea) Oenothera stubbei (Saltillo Primrose) Machacranthera gracilis (Yellow Aster) Pentzia incana (Karoo Bush) Machaeranthera tortifolia (Mohave Aster) Rosmarinus officinalis cv.’Prostratus’ (Prostrate Rosemary) Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot Daisy) Salvia chamaedryoides (Blue Sage) Mirabilis multiflora (Desert Four O’Clock) Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage) Oenothera caespitose (Tufted Evening Primrose) Santolina chamaccyparissus (Lavender Cotton) Penstemon spp. (Penstemon) Santolina virens (Green Santolina) Proboscidea altheaefolia (Devil’s Claw) Sesuvium verrucosum (Sea Pursiane) Psilostrophe cooperi (Paperfiower) Teucrium chamaedrys cv. ‘Prostrata’ (Germander) Psilostrophe tagetina (Paperfiower) Wedclia trilobata (Yellow Dot) Ratibida columnaris (Mexican Hat, Coneflower) Zauschneria spp. (Hummingbird Flower) Romneya coulteri (Matilija Poppy) Senna covesii - Cassia covesii (Desert Senna) Sphaeralcea spp. (Globe-mallow) p67 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Stachys coccinea (Red Mint, Betony) Cordia parvifolia (Little Leaf Cordia) Tagetes spp. (Marigold) Coursetia glandulosa (Baby Bonnets) Tetraneuris acaulis - Hymenoxys acaulis (Angelita Daisy) Cycas revolute (Sago Palm) Thymophylla acerosa - Dyssodia acerosa (Dyssodia) Dalea spp. (Smoketree, Indigo Bush) Thyrnophylla pcntachaeta - Dyssodia.pentachaeta (Dyssodia) Dicliptera resupinata (Native Dicliptera) Zephryanthes spp. (Rain Lily) Dodonaca viscose (Hopbush) Zinnia acerosa (Desert Zinnia) Encelia spp. (Brittlebush) Zinnia grandiflora (Rocky Mountain Zinnia) Ephedra spp. (Mormon-tea) Eremophila spp. (Emu Bush) SHRUBS Abutilon palmeri (Superstition Mallow) Acacia spp. (Acacia) Aloysia spp. (Beebrush) Ambrosia ambrosioides (Canyon Ragweed) Ambrosia deltoidea (Triangleleaf Bur-sage) Ambrosia Dumosa (White Bur-sage) Anisacanthus spp. (Desert Honeysuckle) Artemisia spp. (Sagebrush) Asclepias linaria (Pine-leaf Milkweed) Asciepias subulata (Desert Milkweed) Atriplex spp. (Saltbush) Baccharis spp. (Desert Broom, Coyote Brush) Bauhinia lunarioides – congesta (Anacacho) Bauhinia macaranthera (Orchid Tree) Bauhinia ramosissirna (Orchid Tree) Bebbia juncea (Sweet Bush) Berberis haematocarpa (Red Barberry) Berberis trifoliolata (Agarita) Buddleia marrubifolia (Woolly Butterfly Bush) Caesalpinia spp. (Bird-of-Paradise) Calliandra californica (Baja Red Fairy Duster) Calliandra eriophylla (Pink Fairy Duster) Calliandra peninsularis (Fairy Duster) Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Bottlebrush) Callistemon phoeniceus (Salt Resistant Bottlebrush) Callistemon viminalis (Bottlebrush) Calothamnus spp. (Net Bush) Ccltis pallida (Desert Hackberry) Chrysactinia Mexicana (Damianita) Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Rabbit Brush) Cistus spp. (Rockrose) Condalia globosa (Bitter Condalia) Convolvulus cneorum (Bush Morning Glory, Silverbush) Cordia boissicri (Anacahuita) p68 Ericameria laricifolia (Turpentine Bush) Ericameria linearifolia (Turpentine Bush) Eriogonum spp. (Buckwheat) Erythrina flabelliformis (Southwest Coralbean) Euphorbia antisyphilitica (Wax Plant, Candelilla) Euphorbia biglandulosa – rigida (Euphorbia) Feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) Forcsticra ncomcxicana (Desert Olive) Fraxinus greggii (Littleleaf Ash) Genista hispanica (Spanish Broom) Gossypium harknessii (San Marcos Hibiscus) Guiacum coulteri (Guayacan) Gutierrezia sarothrae (Snakeweed) Hamelia patcns (Fire Bush) Hymenoclea monogyra (Burrobrush) Hyptis emoryi (Desert-lavender) Jasminum mesnyi (Primrose Jasmine) Jatropha spp. (Limberbush) Juniperus chinensis (Juniper) Justicia spp. (Mexican Honeysuckle, Chuparosa) Krameria parvifolia (Ratany) Lantana spp. (Lantana) Larrea tridentate (Creosote Bush) Leucophyllum spp. (Texas Sage, Texas Ranger) Lippia graveolens – berlandieri (Mexican Oregano) Lycium spp. (Wolfberry) Maireana sedifolia (Bluebush) Malpighia emarginata (Barbados Cherry) Maytenus phyllanthoides (Mangle Dulce) Melaleuca spp. (Australian Myrtle) Mimosa biuncifera (Wait-a-Minute Bush) Mimosa dysocarpa (Velvet Pod Mimosa) Myrtus communis (Myrtle) Nandina domestica (Heavenly-bamboo) Nerium oleander varieties (Oleander) James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Perovskia atriplicifolia cv. ‘Heavenly Blue’ (Russian Sage) Hesperaloe spp. (Hesperaloe) Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage) Manfreda maculosa (Manfreda) Plumbago capensis (Cape Plumbago) Nolina spp. (Bear-grass) Plumbago scandens (Plumbago) Pedilanthus macrocarpus (Lady Slipper) Poliomintha maderensis (Lavender Spice) Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose) Punica granatuin varieties (Pomegranate) Portulacaria afra (Elephant Food) Pyracantha spp. (Pyracantha, Fire-thorn) Yucca spp. (Yucca) Rhus choriophylla (Mearns Sumac) Rhus microphylla (Desert Sumac) Rhus ovata (Sugarbush) Rhus trilobata (Skunkbush) Rhus virens (Evergreen Sumac) Rosmarjnus officinalis (Bush Rosemary) Ruellia ssp. (Ruellia) Salvia spp. (Sage) Senna spp. (Senna) Cassia spp. (Cassia) Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Solanum xanti (Solanum) Sophora arizonica (Arizona Sophora) Sophora Formosa (Sophora) Tecoma spp. (Tacoma) Tecomaria capensis (Cape Honeysuckle) Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander) Thamnosma Montana (Turpentine Broom) Thevetia peruviana (Yellow Oleander) Trixis californica (Trixis) Vauquelinia spp. (Rosewood) Vigueria stenoloba (Skeleton-leaf Goldeneye) Viguiera parishii V. deltoidea (Golden Eye) Viguiera tomentose (Golden Eye) Zexmenia hispida (Rough Zexmenia) Westringia rosmariniformis (Westringia) Ziziphus obtusifolia (Greythorn) SUCCULENTS / ACCENTS Agave spp. (Century Plant, Agave) Aizoaceae spp. (Ice Plant Family) Aloe spp. (Aloe) Bulbine frutescens (Bulbine) Cactaceae (Cactus Family) Dasylirion spp. (Desert Spoon) Fouquieria spp. (Ocotillo) Hechtia Montana (Hechtia) TREES Acacia spp. (Acacia, Wattle) Bauhinia lunariodes - B.cwongesta (Anacacho Orchid Tree) Bauhinia Mexicana (Orchid Tree) Brachychiton populneus (Bottle Tree) Brahea spp. (Fan Palm) Bursera spp. (Elephant Tree) Butia capitata (Jelly Palm) Caesalpinia spp. (Bird-of-Paradise) Callistemon ssp. (Bottlebrush) Canotia holacantha (Crucifixion Thorn) Casuarina spp. (Beefwood) Ccltis reticulate (Western Hackberry) Ceratonia siliqua (St. John’s Bread Tree, Carob Tree) Cercis canadensis var. Mexicana (Mexican Redbud) Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas Redbud) Chamaerops humilis (Mediterranean Fan Palm) Chilopsis linearis (Desert-willow) Chitalpa tashkcntensis (Chitalpa) Chorisia speciosa (Silk Floss Tree) Cupressus arizonica (Arizona Cypress) Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress) Dalbergia sissoo (Sissoo Tree) Ebenopsis spp. - Pithecellobium spp. (Ebony) Eucalyptus spp. (Eucalyptus) Eysenhardtia orthocarpa (Kidneywood) Geijera parviflora (Australian-willow) Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) Holacantha emoryi - Castela emoryi (Crucifixion Thorn) Leucaena retusa (Golden Ball Lead Tree) Lysiloma spp. (Desert-fern) Olea europaea (Olive) Olneya tesota (Ironwood) Parkinsonia aculeate (Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem) Parkinsonia spp. - Cercidiurn spp. (Palo Verde) Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm) p69 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) Pinus canariensis (Canary Island Pine) Pinus eldarica (Afghan Pine) Pinus halepensis (Aleppo Pine) Pinus pinea (Italian Stone Pine) Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine) Pistacia spp. (Pistachio) Pittosporum phillyraeoides (Willow Pittosporum) Prosopis spp. (Mesquite) Quercus spp. (Oak) Rhus lancea (African Sumac) Rhus lanceolata (Prairie Flameleaf Sumac) Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian Pepper Tree) Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel, Mescal) Tamarix aphylla (Athel Tree) Tipuana tipu (Tipu Tree) Ulmus parvifolia cv.’Sempervirens’ (Chinese Evergreen Elm) Ungnadia speciosa (Mexican-buckeye) Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) Washingtonia spp. (Desert Fan Palm) Xylosma congestum (Xylosma) Ziziphus jujube (Chinese Jujube) VINES Antigonon leptopus (Coral Vine, Queen’s Wreath) Bougainvillea spp. ( Bougainvillea) Callaeum macropterum - Mascagnia macroptera (Yellow Orchid Vine) Campsis radicans (Common Trumpet Creeper) Cissus trifoliata (Grape Ivy) Clernatis drummondii (Virgin’s Bower) Curcurbita digitata (Coyote Gourd, Finger Leaf Gourd) Hardenbergia comptoniana (Lilac Vine) Hardenbergia violacea (Purple Coral Pea) Janusia gracilis (Slender Janusia) Kennedia nigricans (Black Yellow Vine) Macfadyena unguis (Cat’s Claw) Mascagnia lilacina (Purple Mascagnia) Maurandya antirrhiniflora (Snapdragon Vine) Maurandya wislizeni (Snapdragon Vine) Merrernia aurea (Yellow Morning Glory Vine) Passiflora foetida (Passion Vine) Podranea ricasoliana (Pink Trumpet Vine) Rhynchosia texana (Rosary Bead Vine) Rosa banksiae (Lady Bank’s Rose) Solanum jasminoides (Potato Vine) p70 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Drought tolerant palms species with inorganic mulch. It is an effective xeriscape design, especially for an accent area. Impressive Median Strips with plants which minimize their exposure to the sun by pointing towards it. Yukka plants used as accent plants, surrounded by low growing xerophytic shrub species. Xerophytic water feature. Minimal amount of water is used to reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation, whilst still providing a cooling effect. The water features in Arizona were included in the landscape more for their artistic or aesthetic qualities rather than as a water celebration. Agave species with inorganic mulch. A design element typical to Arizona. The use of gravel is to reduce the amount of planting required without compromising on the landscape aesthetics. COR-10 Steel Shade structure employed as a shade structure, but would be further improved with the use of a drought tolerant climber such as Ficus primula. p71 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES BY DAY Source: EDAW Australia CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES BY NIGHT p72 Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA Source: EDAW Australia Rancho Santa Margarita is the highest-density master-planned suburban community in the United States of America. It pioneered concepts of jobs-housing balance, town centre design, governance, and soft infrastructure. Rancho Santa Margarita was the first development to incorporate the concept of soft infrastructure, which has since become almost mandatory. The new city of 40,000 residents was designed with sustainability in mind, especially with regard to the landscape. The design incorporated a water saving balance between hard and softscape elements as well as replacing lawn areas by low growing, low maintenance and low water requiring groundcovers and small shrubs. The beauty of these prostrate plants is that they occupy a large amount of surface area, up to three metres squared in some cases, yet they need very little water to survive especially in relation to their erect relations. The stormwater from the site was recycled into the lake system, where oils and other toxins were eradicated through siltation and the zapping of ultraviolet radiation. Once this process was complete and the stormwater had moved to a secondary lake, it was ready for reuse on the streetscapes, parks and civic centres. p73 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia The Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla, California Neurosciences Institute Source: EDAW Australia The Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla, California has a water sensitive approach to the site with native or naturalised species providing a nice backdrop and a balance between hard and softscape, which is appropriate for the region. The paving is graded so the sunken garden beds are able to utilize the stormwater runoff. The reflective rectilinear pool is only a couple of inches deep. The effect is achieved by using black marble, which makes the pool look deeper and improves the reflective qualities. Melaleuca nesophylla, a favourite in Australia, is used well, and its use is further evidence of the climatic relationship between Australia and Southwest United States of America. p74 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles MacArthur Court, New Port Beach MacArthur Court, Newport Beach, California features a central fountain ringed by Canary Island Date Palms. The water from the fountain is flush with the top of the of the turf boarder. The water is potable. This is a typical old school American attitude, which is beginning to be phased out through the use of grey water recycling. If grey water recycling is not appropriate for the site, then at the very least, the roof catchment from the surrounding buildings should be utilised. Source: EDAW Australia The date palms provide order and emphasise avenues and functions. Rows of fan palms, silhouetted against the skyline highlight the entry drive. Further Date Palms are used in a grid fashion to tie together the four buildings, while providing shade for workers and visitors alike. The palms are use to good effect as they require minimal water, provide ample shade and are interesting accent trees and provide character and direction to a landscape. The lawn is not a drought tolerant species and should be replaced with a paspalum variety, which will maintain the aesthetics and design intent, without wasting water. The use of Washingtonia robusta or Washingtonia filifera is an appropriate choice for semi-arid to arid zones because they require minimal water, provide architectural integration and require minimal maintenance. They are heavily used throughout the United States and are increasingly being incorporated in countries of a similar climate. p75 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia IRVINE RANCH, Irvine Source: EDAW Australia The Irvine Ranch in Irvine, California is one of the largest and most successful master planned developments in the United States. A series of design elements helped to establish the overall characteristics for the community. The Architectural guidelines specified Mediterranean architecture for all aspects of the development including the landscape. The Mediterranean landscape used an evergreen palette so the new development would blend with the adjacent coastal sage scrub, similar to that of Sea Ranch in Sonoma, California. As illustrated below, fifty five per cent of the site is allocated as open space, with parks, greenbelts, vistas and vast nature zones. p76 Source: EDAW Australia James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Source: EDAW Australia Landscaped entrance zones incorporating xeriscape plant types, such as Strelitzia reginae, Phoenix dactylifera, Agave attenuate and Eucalyptus species frame, direct, excite and provide community character to each neighbourhood. Irvine Ranch incorporated many small parks rather than fewer large parks because they provide easier access and a closer community feel. The parks are linked through pedestrian greenways. Source: EDAW Australia The Rose species and Trachelospermum species are drought resistant and the Schinus molle trees in the foreground are drought tolerant and hardy. The streetscapes, whilst providing essential amenities, such as vehicle parking and underground utilities, like gas, electricity, water and sewage have also managed to integrate xeriscape plantings with Lagerstroemia indica specimens above hardy native grasses, which will be able to cope with vehicle wheels. p77 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION FOR CALIFORNIA TREES Lysiloma candida (Palo Blanco) Acacia aneura (Mulga) Lysiloma microphylla (Fern of the Desert) Acacia berlandier (Berlandier Acacia) Olea europaea ‘Swan Hill’ (Olive) Acacia constricta (Whitethorn Acacia) Olneya tesota (Desert Ironwood) Acacia farnesiana/smallii (Sweet Acacia) Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm) Acacia greggii (Catclaw Acacia) Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) Acacia salicina (Willow Acacia) Pinus eldarica (Afgan Pine) Acacia saligna (Weeping Wattle) Pinus halepensis (Aleppo Pine) Acacia schaffneri (Twisted Acacia) Pinus pinea (Italian Stone Pine) Acacia stenophylla (Shoestring Acacia) Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine) Acacia willardiana (Palo Blanco) Pistacia atlantica (Red Push Pistache) Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree) Pithecellobium flexicaule (Texas Ebony) Bauhinia congesta (Anacacho Orchid Tree) PitheceNobium mexicanum (Mexican Ebony) Bauhinia variegata Candida (White Orchid Tree) Pittosporum phillyraeoides (Willow Pittosporum) Brahea armata (Mexican Blue Palm) Platanus wrightil (Arizona Sycamore) Brahea edulis (Guadalupe Palm) Populus fremontii ‘Nevada’ (Fremont Cottonwood) Caesalpinia cacalaco (Cascalote) Prosopis alba (Argentine Mesquite) Canotia holacantha (Crucifixion Thorn) Prosopis glandulosa (Texas Honey Mesquite) Carya illinoensis (Pecan) Prosopis glandulosa (Western Honey Mesquite) Catalpax tashkentensis (Chilitapa) Prosopis hybrid ‘Phoenix’ (Phoenix Mesquite) Cercidium floridum (Blue Palo Verde) Prosopis juliflora - P. velutfna (Arizona Native Mesquite) Cercidium praecox (Palo Brea) Quercus virginiana ‘Heritage’ (Heritage Live Oak) Cerds canadensis v. ‘Mexicana’ (Mexican Redbud) Rhus lancea (African Sumac) Cercis occidentalis (Western Redbud) Robinia neomexicana (New Mexico Locust) Cercidium ‘Desert Museum’ (Hybrid Palo Verde) Robinia ambigua ‘Idahoensis’ (Idaho Locust) Cercidium microphyllum (Foothills Palo Verde) Salix gooddingii (Goodding Willow) Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow) Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) Chitalpa tashkinensis (Chitalpa) Schinus terebinthefohus (Brazilian Pepper Tree) Chorisia speciosa (Floss Silk Tree) Tipuana tipu (Tipu Tree) Citrus aurantium (Seville Orange) Ulmus parvifolia (Evergreen Elm) Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress) Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) Dalbergia sissoo (Sissoo) Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm) Eucalyptus papuana (Ghost Gum) Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm) Eucalyptus populnea (Poplar Leaf Gum) Ficus benjamina (Weeping Chinese Banyan) Ficus microcarpa nitida (Compact Indian Laurel Fig) Fortunella margarita (Kumquat) Fraxinus greggii (Little Leaf Ash) Fraxinus velutina ‘Fantex’ (Fantex Ash) Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda) Leucaena retusa (Golden Ball Lead Tree) p78 SHRUBS Abutilon palmeri (Superstition Mallow) Acada craspedocarpa (Leather-leaf Acacia) Acanthus mollis (Acanthus) Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus) Alyosia lycioides (White Bush) Alyosia wrightii (Wright’s Bee Bush) Ambrosia ambrosioides (Canyon Ragweed) Anigozanthos flavidus (Kangaroo Paw) James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Anisacanthus andersonii (Anderson’s Honeysuckle) Hymenodea satsola (Burrobush) Anisacanthus guadrifidus (Mountain Flame) Hyptis emoryi (Desert Lavender) Anisacanthus thurberi (Desert Honeysuckle) Jasminum mesnyl (Primrose Jasmine) Atriplex canescens (Four Wing Salt Bush) Justicia californica (Chuparosa) Bebbia juncea (Chuckwalla’s Delight) Justicia candicans ovata (Red Honeysuckle) Berberis haematocarpa (Red Barberry) Justicia spicigera (Mexican Honeysuckle) Buddleia marrubilfolia (Woolly Butterfly Bush) Larrea tridentate (Creosote Bush) Bulbine frutescens (Bulbine) Leucophyllum species (Sage Varieties) Buxus m. japonica (Japanese Boxwood) Ligustrum lucidium (Columnar Glossy Privet) Caesalpinia gilliesii (Yellow Bird of Paradise) Lycium andersonli (Desert Wolfberry) Caesalpinia Mexicana (Mexican Bird of Paradise) Lycium fremontii (Fremont Lycium) Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Red Bird of Paradise) Mimosa dysocarpa (Velvet Pot Mimosa) Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster) Myrtus communis (True Myrtle) Calliandra eriophylla (Pink Fairy Duster) Myrtus communis ‘Boetica’ (Twisted Myrtle) Cassia artemisiodes (Feathery Cassia) Myrtus communis v. ‘Compacta’ (Dwarf Mytle) Cassia nemophila (Desert Cassia) Nandina dometica (Heavenly Bamboo) Cassia obligate (Outback Cassia) Nerium oleander varieties (Oleander) Cassia phyllodinea (Silver-leaf Cassia) Pittosporum tobira (Japanese Mock Orange) Celtis pallida (Desert Hackberry) Plumbago auriculata (Cape Plumbago) Chrysactinia Mexicana (Damianita) Podocarpus macrophyllus (Yew Pine) Chrysothanmus nauseosus (Rabbit Bush) Pyicjranatum ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Pomegranate) Cordia boissieri (Texas Olive) Punica granatum varieties (Pomegranate) Cordia parvifolia (Little Leaf Cordia) Pyracantha varieties (Pyracantha) Dalea bicolor V. argyraea (Silver Dalea) Rhus ovata (Sugarbush) Dalea frutescens (Black Dalea) Rhus trilobata (Squaw Bush) Dalea frutescens ‘Sierra Negra’ (Sierra Negra Dalea) Rhus virens (Evergreen sumac) Dalea pulchra (Indigo Bush) Salvia species (Sage Varieties) Dicliptera suberecta (Velvet Honeysuckle) Senna wislizenii (ShrubbySenn) Dodonaea viscose (Hopbush) Simmondsia chinensis (Vista’ Vistajoba) Dodonea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ (Purple Hopbush) Simmondsia chinesis (Jojoba) Elastica decora (Rubber Plant) Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel) Ephedra fasciculate (Joint Fir) Strelitzia reginae (Tropical Bird of Paradise) Ephedra trifurca (Mormon Tea) Tagetes lemmonii T. palmeri (Mt. Lemmon Marigold) Equisetum laevigatum (Horsetail) Tecoma stans (Yellow Bells) Eremophila racemosa (Easter Egg Bush) Tecomaria capensis (Cape Honeysuckle) Eremophila ‘Valentine’ (Valentine Bush) Teucrium ftuticans ‘Azurea’ (Shrubby Germander) Euryops pectinatus (Golden Euryops) Thevetia peruviana (Yellow Oleander) Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia) Vauquelinia californica (Arizona Rosewood) Feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) Vauquelinia corymbosa spp (Chisos Rosewood) Genista hispanica (Spanish Broom) Zexmenia hispida ‘Devil’s River’ (Zexem) Haplopappus gooddingii (Goldenweed) Ziziphus obtusifolia (Greythorn) Herissantia crispa (Indian Mallow) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus) p79 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia GROUNDCOVER p80 Acacia redolens ‘Desert Carpet’ (Desert Carpet) Gaillardia puchella (Indian Blanket) Ambrosia deltoidea (Bursage) Gazania rigens ‘Sun GoId’ (Gazania) Ambrosia Dumosa (White Bursage) Gazania rgens leucolaena (Trailing Gazania) Aptenia cordifolia (Hearts and Flowers) Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden-spurred Columbine) Gutierrezia sarothrae (Snakeweed) Asparagus desiflorus’meyers’ (Meyer’s Asparagus) Helianthus annuus (Wild Sunflower) Asparagus desiflorus ‘sprengeri’ (Sprenger Asparagus) Juniperus chinesis varieties (Juniper) Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant) Krameria parvifolia (Ratany) Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) Lantana species (Trailing Lantana) Baccharis pilularis ‘Starn’ (Thompson Dwarf Coyote Bush) Lantana species (Bush Lantana) Bahia absinthifolia (Bahia) Mesembryanthemum spp. ( Ice Plant) Baileya multiradiata (Desert Marigold) Mimulus bgelovii (Bebw’s Monkeyflower0 Berlandiera lyrata (Chocolate Flower) Mimulus cardinalis (Monkey Flower) Buchloe dactyloides (Buffalo Grass) Myoporum parvifolium (Myoporum) Callaeum macroptera (Yellow Orchid Vine) Oenothera berlandieri (Mexican Evening Primrose) Calylophus hartwegii (Calylophus) Qenothera caespitose (Evening Primrose) Carissa grandiflora ‘Boxwood Beauty’ (Natal Plum ‘Boxwood Beauty’) Oenothera stubbei (Saltillo Primrose) Carissa grandiflora ‘Tuttlei’ (Natal Plum ‘Tuttlei’) Osteospermum fruticosum (Trailing African Daisy) Carpobrotus chilensis (Ice Plant) Penstemon species (Penstemon) Carpobrotus edule (Hottentot Fig) Plumbago auriculata (Cape Plumbago) Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) Podranea ricasoliana (Pink Trumpet Vine) Cephalophyllum ‘Red Spike’ (Red Spike Ice Plant) Portulacaria afra (Elephant Food) Ceratoides lanata (Winterfat) Rosa banksiae (Lady Bank’s Rose) Clematis drummondii (Virgin’s Bower) Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus’ (Dwarf Rosemary) Convolvulus cneorum (Bush Morning Glory) Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’ (Katie Ruellia) Convolvulus mauritanicus (Ground Morning Glory) Ruellia spaces (Rueflia) Coreopsis bigelovii (Desert Coreopsis) Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton) Cuphea Ilavea (Fat Faced Cuphea) Santolina virens (Green Santolina) Dalea capitata ‘Sierra Gold’ (TM Sierra Gold Dalea) Haeralcea ambigua (Desert Globemallow) Dalea greqgii (Trang Inchgo Bush) Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarrgon) Dalea versicolor var. sessilis (Wislizenus Dalea) Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostratum’ (Prostrate Germander) Datura inoxia (Sacred Datura/Jimsonweed) Trachelospermum asiaticum (Asiatic Jasmine) Drosanthemum speciosum ‘Rosa’ (Ice Plant) Trixis californica (Trixis) Dyssodia pentachaeta (Golden Dyssodia) Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic) Encelia farinose (Brittlebush) Verbena species (Verbena) Ericameria laricifolia (Turpentine Bush) Vinca major (Periwinkle) Eriogonum fasculatum v. poliofolium (Wild Buckwheat) Wedelia trilobata (Wedelia) Eriogonum wrightii (Wright Buckwheat) Zephranthes candida (Zephyr Flower/Rain Lily) Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy) Zephranthes citrina (Fairy Lily) Eschscholzia Mexicana (Mexican Gold Poppy) Zephranthes grandiflora (NCN) Eupatorium gggii ‘Boothill’ (Eupatoria) Zephyranthes candida (Rain Lily) Fatshedera lizei (Aralia Ivy) Zinnia acerosa (Desert Zinnia) Gaillardia arizonica (Arizona Blanketfiower) Zinnia grandiflora (Little Golden Zinnia) James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles ACCENTS Agave Americana (Centry Plant) Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo) Agave attenuate (Ghost Agave) Hesperaloe species (Hesperaloe Varieties) Agave bovicornuta (Cowshorn Agave) Liriope gigantean (Giant Lilyturf) Agave colorata (Mescal Ceniza) Lophocereus schottii (Senita Cactus) Agave deserti (Desert Agave) Lophocereus schottiifa monstrosus (Totem Pole Cactus) Agave desmettiana (Agave) Mammillaria species (Mammillaria Varieties) Agave geminiflora (Twin Flowered Agave) Nolina bigelovii (Beargrass) Agave macroacantha (NCN) Nohna matapensis (Tree Bear grass) Agave murpheyi (Murphy’s Agave) Nolina macrocarpa (Beargrass) Agave ocahul (Agave) Nolina texana (Beargrass) Agave palmeri (Palmers Agave) Opuntia acanthocarpa (Buckhorn Cholla) Agave parryi v. truncate (Parrys Agave) Opuntia basilaris (Beaver-tail Prickly Pear) Agave salmiana (Puique Agave) Opuntia bigelovii (Teddybear Cholla) Agave scabra (NCN) Opuntia chiorotica (Pancake Prickly Pear) Agave tequiliana (Tequila Agave) Opuntia engelmannii (Engelmann’s Prickly Pear) Agave toumeyana (Toumey’s Agave) Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian Fig Prickly Pear) Agave victoriae-reginae (Royal Agave) Opuntia fulgida (Chainfruit Cholla) Agave weberi (Smooth-leaf Agave) Opuntia leptocaulis (Christmas Cactus) Aloe species (Aloe Varieties) Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ears) Asclepias subulata (Desert Milkweed) Opuntia robusta (Silver Dollar Prickly Pear) Asciepias subulata (Desert Milkweed) Opuntia santa-rita (Purple Prickly-Pear) Aspidistra elatior (Cast-iron Plant) Opuntia spinosior (Cane Cholla) Carnegieagigantea (Saguaro) Opuntia violacea (Purple Pricklypear) Cereus species (Cereus Varieties) Opuntia violacea (Santa Rita Prickly Pear) Chamaerops humilis (Mecterraean Fan Palm) Pachycereus marginatus (Mexican Organ Pipe) Cycas revolute (Sago Palm) Pedilanthus macrocarpus (Lady Slipper) Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella Plant) Philodendron selloum (Selloum Philodendron) Dasylirion acrotriche (Green Desert Spoon) Sanseveria spp. ( Mexican Fence Post) Dasylirion leiophyllum (Desert Spoon) Stenocereus thurberi (Organ Pipe Cactus) Dasylirion longissimum (Mexican Tree Grass) Trichocereuscaridicans (Argentine Trichocereus) Dasylirion wheeleri (Desert Spoon) GRASSES Dietes bicolour (Fortnight Lily) Aristida californica (Threeawn Grass) Dietes vegeta (Evergreen Iris) Aristida purpurea (Purple Threeawn) Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus) Arstida wrightii (Wright Threeawn) Echinocereus engelmannii (Engelmann’s Hedgehog) Bouteloua aristioides (Six Weeks Grama) Echinocereus pectinatus (Rainbow Cactus) Bouteloua breviseta (Chino Grama) Euphorbia antisyphilitica (Candelilla) Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats Grama) Euphorbia myrsinites (Euphorbia) Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama) Euphorbia rigkla (Gopher Plant) Muhlenbergia capillaries (Gulf Muhley) Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Bush) Muhlenbergia emersleyi (Bull Grass) Ferocactus acanthodes (Compass Barrel Cactus) Muhlenbergia lindheimeri (Lindheimer Muhly) Ferocactus wislizenii (Fishhook Barrel) Muhlenbergia porteri (Bush Muhly) Fouquiena macdougalii (Mexican Tree Ocotillo) Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass) p81 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Muhlenbergia rigida (Purple Muhly) Platystemon californicus (Cream Cups) Muhlenbergia rigida ‘Nashville’ (Nashville Grass) Podranea ricasoliana (Pink Trumpet Vine) Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass) Psilostrophe cooperi (Paperfiower) Orthocarpus purpurascens (Owl-Clover) Psilostrophe tagetina (Paperfiower) Rosa banksiae ‘Alba Plena’ (White Lady Bank’s Rose) VINES & WILDFLOWERS Antigonon leptopus (Queen’s Wreath) Bougainvillea species (Bougainvillea) Campsis radicans (Common Trumpet Creeper) Cassia covesii (Desert Cassia) Cissus trifoliata (Native Grape Ivy) Cosmos species (Cosmos Varieties) Dimorphotheca sinuate (African Daisy) Erigeron divergens (Spreading Fleabane) Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona Blue Eves) Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) Gaura lindheimeri (Desert Orchid) Hardenbergia comptoniana (Lilac Vine) Hedera canariensis (Algerian Ivy) Hedera helix (English Ivy) Helipterum roseum (Pink Everlasting) Hesperocallis undulate (Ajo Lily) Hibiscus coulteri (Desert Rose mallow) Hymenoxys acaulis (Angelita Daisy) Ipomopsis lonqiflora (Pale Blue Trumpets) Linum lewisli (Blue flax) Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ (Hall’s Honeysuckle) Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle) Macfadyena unguis-cati (Cat’s Claw Vine) Mascagnia lilacina (Lavender Orchid vine) Mascagnia macroptera (Yellow Orchid Vine) Maurandya antirrhiniflora (Snap Dragon Vine) Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot Daisy) Mentzelia involucrate (Morning Stars) Merremia aurea (Yellow Morning Glory Vine) Mirabilis multiflora (Desert Four-O Clock) Nemophila maculate (Five Spot) Oenothera deltoid (Birdcaqe Evening Primrose) Oenothera primiveris (Evening Primrose) Papaver rhoeas (Shirley Poppy) Perityle emoryi (Rock Daisy) Phacelia campanularia (California Bluebell) Plantaqo insularis (Indian Wheat) p82 Salvia columbariae (Chia) Senna covesii (Desert Senna) Solanum jasminoides (White Potato Vine) Solanum xantii (Solanum) Stachys coccinea (Texas Betony) Trithoria rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower) Verbena qooddingli (Goodding Verbena) Verbesina encelioides (Gloden Crown Beard) Viqna Caracalla (Snail Vine) Viguiera deltoidea (Goldeneye) Vitis arizonica (Arizona Grape Vine) James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles GREY WATER RECYCLING The lack of water, which is the limiting factor of all vegetation in the desert, made the treatment of wastewater for irrigation purposes a necessity. One human being produces enough wastewater to irrigate six trees. Source: EDAW Australia This Grey Water System produces water of a quality in excess of Class ‘A’, which means the water is drinkable. Grey Water Treatment Systems are fully automated, compact and an effective solution for reclaiming grey water waste streams and processing to a reusable standard for utility uses. These include toilet flushing, clothes washing, vehicle washing, irrigation and yard maintenance. The system is capable of treating the entire grey water waste stream, with minimal restrictions on the user, as it is a mechanical filtration system that does not rely on an unstable biological process. This makes it resilient to everyday exposure to a wide range of commonly used consumable products. The current EPA criteria is B.O.D=<20-T.S.S=<30 -Total Fecal Coliform Count=<1O. The system pictured treats water to B.O.D<5 -T.S.S<2-Fecal Coliforms<1 or non detectable, this is of a quality acceptable under drinking water guidelines. The pictured unit will treat up to 5000 litres in 24 hours. The system has been engineered under a modular framework allowing it to be altered to treat more or less than 5000 litres as the individual site requires. The system is suitable for either single dwelling, multiple unit or hotel and apartment applications. Maintenance and service is minimal, only being required on an annual basis, depending on local water conditions. The average cost of recycled water is 1.6 cents per 1000 litres. Power consumption is minimal, as the system requires no power when not filtering. p83 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Other Examples of Southwest American Land Developments Date Palms line the avenue towards the mission style central park. A balance between hard and soft landscapes is lacking, because there is too much lawn area. Section pavers or granitic sands could have been used to reduce water requirements and also to provide variation in the landscape. Neighbourhood park has a good balance of hard / softscape elements and has effectively used xerophytic groundcovers to maximise the surface area. Groundcovers use significantly less water per square metre than lawns. The small parks dotted throughout the estate are connected by these Greenways. The Greenways are effective in creating aesthetic xeriscape access routes for pedestrian circulation as well as providing a closer sense of community. Vista through one of the estate’s Greenways towards the Mission Park. All of the pedestrian connections are generously landscaped. p84 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles The main arterial roads require emphasis. On this occasion Phoenix dactylifera have been used to great affect. Palms which receive the greatest exposure in Californian are the Washingtonia species and phoenix varieties. Nerium oleander plants are drought tolerant and hardy, which is perfect for Southwestern America and also for Australia. Commercial landscapes or the Supermarket car parks, are great locations for such a hardy plant. Shade street trees are generally deciduous and their foliage consists of either small leaves, such as an Ulmus parvifolium or bi-pinnate, like a Gleditsia tricuspidata. These features mean that the trees’ leaves have less surface area. This enables better water retention, as less water is lost through evaporation from ultraviolet radiation and photosynthesis. Median strips are not appropriate for lawn. The medians should employ either bioretention swales, which recycle the water through a natural filtration system, or colourful xerophytic groundcover, which can spread several metres squared with very little water. Lawn is used in nature because people need to travel from their cars to the footpath. However, to save additional water and create a subtle difference, a combination of inorganic mulches and lawn would be a good idea. p85 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia LAWN INNOVATIONS There are over 100 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars, over 100 perennial ryegrasses, more than 20 creeping bentgrasses, 30 plus bermudagrasses and well over 20 zoysias being marketed today. All are good. They all have their place, but not all are created equal. Each cultivar has unique turf quality traits and management requirements. No single cultivar, regardless of species, is totally adapted to all environments, but selecting the right cultivar can help to devise the right management strategies – especially in salt-affected sites. Knowledge is the key to selecting the right cultivar and is critical to long-term success or failure. Sealsle 1/Sealsie 2000 Seashore Paspalum Sealsie I and Sealsie 2000 were both developed by Dr R. R. Duncan at the University of Georgia’s Griffin Experiment station, and are currently the only two ‘certified’ seashore paspalums in the world. They have over 7 years of comprehensive replicated data on salt and drought tolerance, water use, shoot and root performance, wear and traffic response, acid soil tolerance, herbicide tolerance, insect screening, sod and sprig production, low-light intensity tolerance, disease resistance, mowing height, turf quality assessment, winter hardiness responses and turf performance. In addition, evaluations for the two cultivars have been conducted on 35 golf course test plots. Durban CC Seashore Paspalum This cultivar originated from the greens at the Durban Community Club in South Africa and is sold exclusively by Superlawn CC in Cramon, South Africa. In addition to several courses in South Africa and the Middle East, Durban CC is at Emerald Bay, a Greg Norman course in Emma, Bahamas. Salam Seashore Paspalum This proprietary cultivar of Southern Turf Nurseries, Inc. can be traced to Sea Island GA and was introduced into Hawaii during the 1980’s. It has been in the Georgia evaluation program since 1993 and has been planted on a number of courses in Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. In the US, the grass is on fairways at Sportsman Perdidi in Pensacola, FL and the Old Collier Golf Club in Naples FL. It has also been planted at Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Southern Turf farms in Elberta AL, Punta Gorda FL and Kahaka HI. Seaway/Seagreen/SeawarfPaspalum These cultivars originated at Alden Pines Golf Course in Pin Island, north of Ft. Myers FL. The parent material planted on this course in 1981 was a medium-textured Adalayd ecotype from Australia. These new reselected seashore paspalum cultivars have varying leaf textures, colour and growth rates. These grasses and possibly four new cultivars are available from Emerald Island Turf Inc. in Punta Gorda FL and their growers. ATTRIBUTES OF SEASHORE PASPALUM Most salt tolerant turf grass species Seashore paspalum, sometimes referred to as saltwater couch, is a perennial warm season rhizomatous/stoloniferous grass. It has the highest level of salinity (halophytic) tolerance among all of the turf grass cultivars and requires about half the fertiliser of Bermuda grass. When managed properly, it has low water use requirements and needs minimal pesticides. Good under low light conditions Seashore paspalum has very good tolerance to low or reduced light caused by cloudy, foggy smoggy conditions although, like Bermuda grass it has a very low tree shade tolerance. Thus it shows good promise in the low-light conditions found in domed stadiums, while St. Augustine and zoysia grass grow much better than paspalum in dense tree shade environments. p86 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Excellent cold and chill tolerance Paspalum generally grows quite well between the 30°-35° North-South latitudes, exhibiting winter hardiness similar to Bermuda grass. Additionally, it is normally the last warm season grass to go off-colour and into winter dormancy. The new fine-textured paspalum cultivars usually require temperatures of 28° F (-2.2C) to go into dormancy. Thrives in boggy, water-logged or dry conditions Paspalum can be inundated with water for long periods of time, yet will survive; it also thrives in low, boggy high water table ecozones and, if irrigated properly, has a drought resistance at least equal to that of Bermuda grass. With paspalum, watering less frequently, but for a longer duration, helps promote a deep, healthy root system. Perfect for dune stabilization and land reclamation These environment friendly grass cultivars are also quite good for land reclamation projects, dune stabilisation and biomediation. Many of the new paspalums are being used to help clean up contaminated environments where it is important, or has been mandated, that affected soils and water be cleaned up naturally. LAWN SUBSTITUTES LOW GROWING - GROUND COVERS Low, matting ground covers add a finishing touch to the edges in and around stepping-stones or sunny bare pathways. Water-thrifty plants that cover ground, supress weeds and do not require mowing are ideal in this role. Growing lower than grass and often used as a lawn substitute, Dymondia margaretae is known for its ability to take light foot traffic with little to no damage. Endemic to the Bredasdorp district of the Western Cape of South Africa, Dymondia margaretae is the sole species in this genus. Once difficult to locate, Dymondia is now becoming more available because its versatility has been recognised. During the warmest months, it produces an insignificant yellow dandelionlike flower, closely set into the foliage. But its main appeal is not its flowers but its foliage. The silver undersides of the slender, 2-inch-long green leaves curl around the top edges. Dymondia margaretae is considered one of the most drought tolerant evergreen creeping perennial ground covers today, mainly because of its deep fleshy root system. If water is abundant, it will spread quickly; less water will help keep it in check. Dymondia’s tight growth habit makes it ideal for use between flagstones on pathways. It grows so tightly it hardly allows a weed seeding to occur. Another low-growing groundcover is Lampranthus filicaulis, commonly known as redondo creeper. It is a finely textured evergreen creeper and is covered from spring to summer with small bright pink flowers. It grows best in a frost-free climate in full sun to part shade and can also handle light foot traffic. LOW GROWING THYMES Ground-hugging aromatic culinary herbs, such as Thymus x citriodorus, are appropriate substitutes, and add colour with their unusual foliage. Thymus x citriodorus flowers with tiny purplishpink blooms in spring and summer; when stepped on a lemony aroma issues forth. The four most appropriate thyme substitutes, chosen for their easy care and performance, are Thymus x citriodorus for its aroma and flowers; Thymus serpyllum for its small tight growing leaves; Thymus transparent, a very low spreading plant with yellowishgreen foliage, and Thymus pseudolanuginosus for its soft gray foliage. p87 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Xeriscape nature strips with Eucalyptus species and Myoporum species as a grouncover. No irrigation is required. A xeriscape bio-retention swale, which incorporates inorganic mulch, grasses, succulents and drought tolerant flowering perennials. This traditional swale possesses native grasses, inorganic mulch, drought tolerant trees and stone boulders for effect. The storm water flows into the swale over the granitic sand pedestrian path, which has a slope greater than two per cent. This traditional swale possesses native grasses, inorganic mulch, drought tolerant trees and stone boulders for effect. The storm water flows into the swale over the granitic sand pedestrian path, which has a slope greater than two percent. The swale traps the macro pollutants in the vegetation and inorganic mulch within the swale. A perforated pipe within the swale allows the excess water which is not required by the plants to flow into retention basins. The micro pollutants are dealt with in the retention basins through ultraviolet radiation and siltation. p88 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Symmetry and contrast - a balance of pavers with lawn. Ease of maintenance and natural benefits of a porous pavement structure. A water conserving design detail, which incorporates slate pavers and low growing vegetation to create an equal balance between hard / softscapes. Porous paving structure, which incorporates crazy paving combined with rectilinear pavers. Not only is this an attractive design style, it also has porous qualities, which are very important for the environment and water saving. Porous paving has many storm water management benefits. These surfaces allow water to percolate to a subbase course, from where it infiltrates to the soil. In this way all toxins are removed from the water, much like the tea particles in a percolator (this is the main purpose of a bio-retention swale). Porous paving generally consists of paving intertwined with vegetation, which allows water to seep through a filtration system to the soil beneath. This filtration allows the surrounding flora to have filtered or clean water, which they need. p89 Source: EDAW Australia The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia LESSONS FOR AUSTRALIA FUNDAMENTALS OF XERISCAPE Xeriscape is water conservation through creative, appropriate landscaping and water management: in other words, having a beautiful oasis, significantly increasing the value of your home, and still saving water. Planning is the most important step towards a successful xeriscape. A project may need to be implemented in stages, zones or bands of planting. A combination of a sound irrigation design and installation with careful water management will conserve water. Irrigation technology has boomed in the last few years, with improved product quality and increased water-saving efficiency. Soil improvement allows for better water penetration, and improved water holding capacity of the soil. Organic matter and other amendments also provide beneficial nutrients to plants. It is best to test soil to determine the correct amendments and amounts needed. Other soil additives are increasingly becoming available. Hydrocells from the company Fytogreen are currently available and work as a water storage device. Hydrocells are especially valuable to a landscape when it is located on a rooftop or podium, because the hydrocell flakes hold the water in the soils thereby reducing the need to irrigate them, and lessening the weight. Mulches cover and cool the soil, reduce weed growth, slow erosion and most importantly, minimize evaporation. The textures and materials also provide landscape interest. Organic mulches include shredded bark or chips, wood grindings, or compost. Inorganic mulches are usually rock or gravel products. Nearly every landscape function can be served with a low water use plant. Year round greenery, bright flowers, borders or accents all can be achieved efficiently and attractively. Because of their design, xeriscapes need less maintenance and save on both cost and time. However, regular maintenance saves water. Pruning, weeding, proper fertilization, pest control and water schedule adjustments all contribute to water saving. While lawns are great for play areas, picnics, and pets, often turf can be replaced with other less thirsty materials such as groundcovers, low water use plants, mulches, or hardscape. p90 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles OVERSEAS PLANTS NATIVE TO THE REGIONS VISITED, WHICH ARE IN USE IN AUSTRALIA Palo Blanco Acacia (Acacia willardiana) Asplenium australasicum (Bird’s Nest Fern) Stenocereus alamosensis (Octopus Cactus) Molineria capitulata (Palm Grass) Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) Phormium tenax ‘Goliath’ Englemann’s Prickly Pear (Opuntia engelmannii) Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’ Englemann’s Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii) Phormium tenax ‘Variegatum’ Bursage (Ambrosia dumosa) Dianella revolute (Black-anther Flax-lily) Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) Lavandula angustifolia ‘Egerton Blue’ Senita cactus (Cereus schottii) Lepidosperma concavum (Sandhill Sword-sedge) Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) Baloskion tetraphyllum (Tassel Cord-rush) Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) Ruscus hypoglossum Agave macroacantha Pelargonium echinatum (Cactus Geranium) Euphorbia officinarum TREES/ SHRUBS Mescalito (Hechtia montana) Corymbia ficifolia ‘Summertime’ Euphorbia resinifera Eucalyptus pauciflora (Snow Gum) Mescal Pelon (Agave pelona) Hibiscus splendens Whortleberry Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrisans) Polyscias elegans (Celery Wood) Mammillaria Species Cussonia spicata (Cabbage Tree) Coralberry Cactus (Symphoricarpos orbiculata) Meryta sinclairii (Puka) Dogweed (Dyssodia pentachaeta) Ensete ventricosum (Abyssinian Banana) Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulata) Chamaecyparis funebris (Funeral Cypress) Desert-Fern Tree (Lysiloma watsonii) Prostanthera lasianthos (Victorian Christmas Bush) Texas persimman (Diospora texana) Pinus densiflora ‘Pygmy’ Cows Horn Agave (Agave bovicornuta) Pinus mugo (Dwarf Mountain Pine) Calibanus hookeri Brachychiton rupestris (Queensland Bottle Tree) Portulacaria afra Kalanchoe beharensis x tomentose Abrameitiella brevifolia Puya violacea Euphorbia antisyphilitica (Candelilla) Penstemon baccharifolius (Rock Penstemon) Fouquieria splendens Muehlenbeckia complexa (Maidenhair Vine) Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’ Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock-grass) Panicum virgatum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Austrostipa verticillata (Slender Bamboo Grass) Doryanthes palmeri (Spear Lily) Todea barbara (Austral King-fern) Asplenium australasicum (Bird’s Nest Fern) CALIFORNIAN PLANTS Artemisia ludoviciana (Cudweed) Ceanothus pinetorum (Kern Ceanothus) Hyptis emoryi (Desert Lavender) Iris purdyi Mahonia repens Salvia mellifera (Black Sage) Myrica californica (Californian Wax Myrtle) Aesculus californica (Buckeye) Iris munzii Romneya trichocalyx (Hairy Matilija Poppy) Salvia mellifera (Black Sage) Salvia apiana (White Sage) Eriogonum giganteum Gambelia speciosa (Showy Island Snapdragon) Camassia sp. aff. quamash Sphaeralcea ambigua p91 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Dudleya brittonii (Green Form) Artemisia pontica Arctostaphylos pungens (Mexican Manzanita) Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton) Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape) Kniphofia ‘Percy’s Pride’ Quercus agrifolia (Californian Live Oak) Iris ‘Eye Magic’ Salvia leucophylla (Purple Sage) Salvia apiana (White Sage) Thalictrum fendleri Teucrium polium subsp. Pii-fontii Ceanothus spinosus (Redheart) Alyogyne huegelii (Satin Hibiscus) Dudleya anthonyi Helictotrichon sempervirens Hyptis emoryi (Desert Lavender) Leucophyta brownii (Cushion Bush) Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus Achillea tomentose (Woolly Yarrow) Yucca whipplei (Our Lord’s Candle) Euphorbia rigida Ephedra viridis Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Common Everlasting) Garrya elliptica (Silk Tassel) Agave geminiflora Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. Zacaensis (Bigberry Manzanita) Cycas revolute (Sago Palm) Iris douglasiana Phormium ‘Maori Maiden’ Romneya coulteri Macrozamia communis (Burrawang) Encelia farinosa (Brittlebush) Xerochrysum bracteatum (Golden Everlasting) Vaccinium ovatum (Californian Huckleberry) Macrozamia lucida Agave parryi (Mescal) Dracaena draco (Dragon Tree) Washingtonia filifera (Petticoat Palm) Lepidozamia peroffskyana Fouquieria diquetii Eucalyptus pulverulenta (Silver-leafed Mountain Gum) Philadelphus lewisii Protea ‘Pink Ice’ Carpenteria californica (Tree Anemone) Aloe bainesii Calocedrus decurrens (Incense Cedar) Brachychiton rupestris (Queensland Bottle Tree) GENERAL WATER SAVERS Drosanthemum speciosum (Dewflower) p92 Eucalyptus caesia Lepidozamia peroffskyana Kleinia mandraliscae GREY GARDEN Agave attenuata Asteriscus sericeus Cotyledon orbiculate var. oblonga (Silver Crown) Crithmum maritimum (Samphire) Agave multifilifera Olearia astroloba Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) Lomandra confertifolia (Slender Mat-rush) Aeonium arboreum Helichrysum retortum Dampiera rosmarinifolia (Rosemary Dampiera) Senecio bicolour subsp. cineraria (Dusty Miller) Hibbertia truncata Gazania rigens Dymondia margaretae Eremophila bowmanii Orthrosanthus multiflorus (Morning Flag) Acaria aphylla Arctotis x hybrida ‘Flame’ Asteriscus sericeus Armeria pungens Conostylis candicans Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ Euryops pectinatus Agave multifilifera Homoranthus flavescens Iris ‘Dingley Diadem’ Acacia baileyana Agapanthus ‘Blue Baby’ Senecio bicolour Teucrium marum Crithmum maritimum James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles Australian plants noted overseas and within Australia for their hardiness and appropriateness for the average home garden. The following plants should all be available from Australian plant nurseries. Scieranthus biflorus (Twin-flower Knawel) Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) Hymenosporum flavum (Native Frangipani tree) Darwinia citriodora (Lemon Scented Myrtle) PLANTS WITH LOW WATER REQUIREMENTS: Hypocalyma angustifolium (White Myrtle) Banksia ‘Giant Candles’ Crowea exalata (Small Crowea) Hypocalymma angustifolium Anigozanthos ‘Bush Ranger’ (Bush Ranger) Olearia ramulosa Cordyline stricta (Slender Palm Lily) Melaleuca megacephala Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Oak) Scaevola albida ‘Karwarra Pink’ Lomandra hystrix (Mat Rush) Correa alba var. pannosa Viola hederacea (Ivy-leaved Violet) Kunzea parvifolia Prostanthera ovalifolia (Oval-leaf Mint-bush) Darwinia citriodora Goodenia ovata (Prostrate Form) Banksia spinulosa ‘Birthday Candles’ Grevillea obtusifolia ‘Gingin Gem’ (Gingin Gem) Banksia spinulosa ‘Honey Pots’ Thryptomene saxicola ‘Supernova’ (Supernova) Homoranthus darwinioides (Homoranthus) PLANTS WITH NO IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS: Brachysema ‘Bronze Butterfly’ (Bronze Butterfly) Eremophila nivea Alyogyne huegelii ‘West Coast Gem’ (West Coast Gem) Isopogon ceratophyllus Banksia spinulosa ‘Birthday Candles’ (Birthday Candles) Disphyma crassifolium Derwentia perfoliate (Digger’s Speedwell) Leucophyta brownil Eremophila nivea (Silky Eremophila) Banksia serrata ‘Pygmy Possum’ Scaevola albida ‘White’ (White Scaevola) Lechenaultia biloba Westringia dampieri (Stiff Westringia) Banksia blechnifolia Leucophyta brownii ‘Silver Nugget’ (Silver Nugget) Dryandra nivea Senna artemisioldes (Silver Cassia) Persoonia pinifolia Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Common Everlasting) Derwentia perfoliate Dampiera linearis (Common Dampiera) Scaevola aemula ‘Purple Fanfare’ (Purple Scaevola) Banksia blechnifolia (Rock Banksia) Calothamnus species (Claw Flowers) PLANTS WITH MODERATE WATER REQUIREMENTS: Patersonia occidentalis Ficinia nodosa Bauera rubioldes Epacrisgunnil Boronia heterophylia Thelionema grande Lomandra longifolia Hibbertia obtusifolia Dianella longifolia Grevillea ‘Old Gold’ p93 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia CONCLUSIONS As stated in the opening paragraph, ‘our problem in Australia is not the lack of rainfall, we simply need to manage what nature provides more efficiently’. Residential, commercial and civic landscapes are the highest consumers of potable water per square metre. Urban sprawl and the ever increasing demands on Australia’s limited water resources mean that the time has come to implement strategies for designed landscapes and the wider urban and regional environment. At present there is inadequate knowledge of water sensitive urban design and technological innovation both in the industry and more so within the general public. Not only is there inadequate knowledge but there is also sub-standard infrastructure in place to deal with our water deficiencies. Proposed desalination plants are a welcome addition in Australia, however we should also be retaining it, reusing it and collecting it wherever possible. Desalinated potable water should be used in living environments where humans are in direct contact with the water. That is, bathrooms, kitchens and, swimming pools. The waste water from these applications should then be recycled to a ‘Class C’ rating for agriculture and a ‘Class A’ rating for irrigating landscapes, golf courses and water features. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is at the forefront of desalination technology and innovation. If Australia is to implement desalination plants then we need to employ the latest technologies, including membrane treatments such as those in the UAE. An additional dam would be of benefit to our water supply. However the benefit is restricted by Australia’s geographically flat landscape. The higher the mountains: the deeper the reservoir. Meteorologically, it rains more at sea than land, along coastlines than interiors and, in the mountains than on the flats. The fact is we do not have the mountains to create a Hetch Hetchy dam. Treated sewage water is not only cheap and sustainable, but once the infrastructure is constructed, there are very few expenses associated with the delivery. The best application is through subterranean drip irrigation systems. The more treated sewage water is employed for irrigation, the less sewage will flow into the sea. Grey water recycling is in its infancy and in the United Arab Emirates, Israel and America grey water was treated in conjunction with black (sewage) water. An ‘on site’ grey-water recycling system for independent residential houses is the most appropriate application for grey-water systems. However, on a larger scale, such as a newly designed development, then treated sewage water is the best option, because it is more cost effective. Storm-water recycling was a key component of new developments in Southwest USA. DMB Developers in America were proactive in their approach to sustainable storm-water design through swales and retention basins. Following the siltation and ultra violate zapping of oils and other pollution, the water was then employed to irrigate landscapes on the estates. p94 James McNeur | Xerophytic Landscape Principles The main xeriscape principles, which were observed and discussed while on the Churchill Fellowship were: subterranean drip irrigation systems; porous paving types; drought tolerant lawn varieties; lawn substitutes; drought tolerant flora; use of organic and inorganic mulching; use of shade; low water use water features; low growing groundcovers and shrubs; gravitational irrigation strategies; sunken tree planters and garden beds; a balance between hard and softscape elements; and green walls. Traditional Australian lawns require large quantities of water. There have been significant innovations in the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates with drought tolerant and hardy varieties of seashore paspalum. These varieties are more suited to the Australian environment and would reduce water consumption for turf areas. In addition, where appropriate, turf should be substituted for groundcover or prostrate shrubs that require minimal water and low maintenance; such as dymondia margaretae and lampranthus filicaulis. A general idea to reduce the amount of water consumption per residence is to design or plant the garden out into zones. The water saving garden could comprise three areas. The first zone generally would be located closest to the living area and would incorporate plants and grasses which require moderate water consumption. The second zone would involve plants with low water needs and the third would include plants with no irrigation requirements, just those which rely solely on Mother Nature. RECOMENDATIONS The Federal and State Governments should tackle Australia’s water problem in a comprehensive way and not provide quick-fix, single solutions, such as the proposed $400 million desalination plant. The drought and our water shortages will only be solved through a water master plan, which will incorporate the following strategies. Develop desalination plants to produce potable water, which may also contribute to the electricity supply. An additional dam would be of benefit to our water supply. However the benefit would be restricted by Australia’s geographically flat landscape. The higher the mountains, the deeper the reservoir. Meteorologically, it rains more at sea than on land, along coastlines than in the interior and in the mountains more than on the flats. The fact is we do not have the mountains for a dam such as Hetch Hetchy in the United States. It is essential to re-use treated sewage water. This should be a priority for all Australian States, before desalination. It is significantly cheaper and is sustainable. Depending on the application, recycled water can be treated to either Class A or Class C category. The technology is best implemented with Netafim’s Bio-line subterranean drip irrigation system. Grey water recycling is something which every household can adopt. Doit-Yourself systems are available from most hardware stores. Roof-top rainfall catchments can be achieved at a micro or macro scale in residential or commercial sites and on new or old buildings. It is an effective and sustainable way to collect and use this precious commodity. p95 The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of Australia Storm-water recycling can be achieved on a larger scale. Older inner city areas are wasteful of storm-water run-off, as they were constructed with drains rather than swales. New developments, which are occurring in the growth corridors of all Australian States reflect a more proactive attitude. Council requirements for storm-water recycling should be encouraged and maintained. An additional benefit is the fact that retention ponds improve the aesthetics of new developments. Design guidelines for appropriate xeriscape principles, should be promoted at a national level through educational programs and broadcasts funded by the Federal Government. The guidelines should promote the economic, environmental and, social benefits of: Subterranean drip irrigation systems Porous paving Drought tolerant lawn varieties Lawn substitutes Drought tolerant flora Use of organic and inorganic mulching Use of shade Low water use water features Low growing groundcovers and shrubs Gravitational irrigation strategies Sunken tree planters and garden beds A balance between hard and softscape elements Green walls As an overall benefit to the Australian climate, inland Australia needs to be ‘greened’. Strategies and policies to ‘green Australia’ should be implemented. The more vegetation: the more precipitation. Only hardy plants, which are drought, salt and, frost tolerant and indigenous to the area should be considered. Atriplex (saltbush) is an example of a successfully integrated prostrate species which is being employed by Southern New South Wales farmers as a substitute for hay and lucerne. Not only has this venture been economically successful with saltbush lamb readily available, but it has improved the micro-climate. Moisture from the night-frost collects on the saltbush foliage, supplying the plant with all of its water requirements. Once established, the survival of trees is more likely because of the increased moisture content in the soil. The actual implementation process could be a part of Land Care with financial benefits to farmers for environmentally sustainable outcomes. The supply of the appropriate flora should be produced and contracted out to private enterprise. The Federal Government, however, should subsidise a significant proportion of the expense, otherwise the farmers will never agree to the terms of the ‘greening’ process. p96