Xeriscapes X-Y-Z

Are you as excited as I am about our upcoming work installing flower beds at the Hinkson Memorial campus of Amarillo College?  We've been discussing landscape design in class in order to accomplish skills in the Horticulture TEKS that require the student to "design and establish landscapes."

As we consider the plants to put in our adopted flower bed at the AC campus we will use xeriscaping, as discussed in class.  In review, xeriscaping is a form of landscape design that utilizes plants that require small amounts of water and are drought resistant.  To reinforce what we have learned in class, and to provide additional information for our off-campus activity,  I've put together some online activities for you to do:

1.  Some students just like you have done similar work in Amarillo.  Read this article from the Amarillo Globe News about how they have established and maintained xeriscapes at their school and in their community.

2.  This Southwest Xeriscapes video shows step-by-step how to establish a xeriscape.  We will be following these steps when we install the xeriscape.  In addition, this video shows how established landscapes look after 1, 2 and 3 years.  It is important to realize that our work will look different - and better - as time goes by.

3.  Now, design your own xeriscape!  The Better Homes and Gardens Plan-a-Garden allows you to create your own landscape design.  As you practice with this simulation, use plants that need less water to create a xeriscape.  Note:  you will need to set up an account using your personal email address.

Thank you for learning more about xeriscaping!  Let's grow together!

Welcome!

Welcome to Mrs. Detten's Horticulture Happenings blog!  Students will find supplemental information, videos and links that will enrich the lessons and hands-on activities that we do in class.  In addition, because horicultural science has a seasonal aspect, I will include additional posts as they relate to the current season.

Because many of the things you are learning in class are things you can do at home, I encourage you to share this site with your family.

Let's grow together!