Calling all Conservationists and Nature Lovers

**AAbsolute** · 10-20-2008, 11:26 AM

I need someone who truly knows Conservation to inform me. What does Xeriscape mean in Florida Statute 720.3075? I know Public Policy means what's best for all Floridian's. How does it affect Homeowners Associations and their Restrictive Covenants?

**ASH** · 10-20-2008, 02:29 PM

From a landscaping website:

Definition: Xeriscape landscaping, by definition, is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Derived from the Greek xeros meaning "dry," the term, xeriscape means literally "dry landscape."

Note that "xeriscape" is pronounced as if it began with the letter, Z. This sometimes leads to the misspelling, "zeroscape." But xeriscape landscaping techniques needn't result in a "big zero" for landscape design aesthetics. In fact, as most people employ the term, xeriscape landscaping needn't be limited to desert plants, such as cacti. Rather, a xeriscape landscaping policy allows you to use the plants you want, but insists on common-sense measures that will help conserve water, such as grouping plants with similar water requirements together.

Nonetheless, a common element in xeriscape landscaping is the reduction of lawn grass areas, since lawn grass is often one of the worst offenders against water conservation. Another widespread tactic in xeriscape landscaping is the deployment of indigenous plants, since they are adapted to the local climate and consequently require less water. Plants most suited to xeriscape landscaping are sometimes referred to as "xeric" plants.

**AAbsolute** · 10-20-2008, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by ASH

From a landscaping website:

Definition: Xeriscape landscaping, by definition, is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Derived from the Greek xeros meaning "dry," the term, xeriscape means literally "dry landscape."

Note that "xeriscape" is pronounced as if it began with the letter, Z. This sometimes leads to the misspelling, "zeroscape." But xeriscape landscaping techniques needn't result in a "big zero" for landscape design aesthetics. In fact, as most people employ the term, xeriscape landscaping needn't be limited to desert plants, such as cacti. Rather, a xeriscape landscaping policy allows you to use the plants you want, but insists on common-sense measures that will help conserve water, such as grouping plants with similar water requirements together.

Nonetheless, a common element in xeriscape landscaping is the reduction of lawn grass areas, since lawn grass is often one of the worst offenders against water conservation. Another widespread tactic in xeriscape landscaping is the deployment of indigenous plants, since they are adapted to the local climate and consequently require less water. Plants most suited to xeriscape landscaping are sometimes referred to as "xeric" plants.

This is the Statute:
(4) Homeowners' association documents, including declarations of covenants, articles of incorporation, or bylaws, entered after October 1, 2001, may not prohibit any property owner from implementing Xeriscape or Florida-friendly landscape, as defined in s. 373.185(1), on his or her land.

Wouldn't that mean that a comunity like Seaside or Rosemary Beach that uses native vegetation and requires no supplemental irrigation is a model of compliance? I see many communities that allow native species that are actively growing in the wild with no interference of man. I also see others where turf is the standard. Has anyone ever taken the issue up with a community?

**scooterbug44** · 10-21-2008, 09:23 AM

Is there a community that is refused to allow xeriscaping?

Plain ol' common sense to use xeriscaping IMO.

**dunefrog** · 10-21-2008, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Is there a community that is refused to allow xeriscaping?

Plain ol' common sense to use xeriscaping IMO.

Sandestin has not implemented xeriscaping. Not even considering the golf courses, they have huge lawns and non-native plants over much of the resort. These require lots of water.

Compare this to Watersound Beach, where most of the grounds are mostly native and natural. The lawn they have in the common areas would require small amounts of water. Obviously more ecologically sound and looks better in my opinion.

**scooterbug44** · 10-21-2008, 10:27 AM

I know there are MANY places around here that don't practice xeriscaping (I am starting a 'shame on you water wasters' thread after the election) but is there one that is refusing to allow it?

Xeriscaping does NOT mean a barren or sparsely planted yard or no irrigation of any kind because the contractor doesn't want to pay for it. Got a sense that's where AA was heading.

**AAbsolute** · 10-21-2008, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I know there are MANY places around here that don't practice xeriscaping (I am starting a 'shame on you water wasters' thread after the election) but is there one that is refusing to allow it?

Xeriscaping does NOT mean a barren or sparsely planted yard or no irrigation of any kind because the contractor doesn't want to pay for it. Got a sense that's where AA was heading.

You might be to smart for your own good. It must be tedious.

Keep it simple. If your read Statute it says that it is against Public Policy and against the law to require a Florida citizen to abide by HOA documents that dis-allow Xeriscape. Turf can be the biggest offender of Xeriscape. It seems that the fundamental priority of the Statute is to save water. I am certain that there are many communities that are enforcing illegal HOA provisions that should not be.

This is a call to conservationists and environmentalists to get informed.

**AAbsolute** · 11-19-2008, 06:28 PM

We have found with our experience that if you start by dedicating the maximum tree/scrub save when clearing the lot for building you are most of the way there. (There being Xeriscape) Next, supplement the landscape with native varieties of evergreen using care to locate them along the drip line of the roof. This way we use no irrigation for our wax myrtle, etc. because we know that every morning at dewpoint our plantings are irrigated from the reliable natural drip line. We enjoy the native varieties of shade lovers under the evergreens.

To oppose this is to oppose conservation.