ISHS Acta Horticulturae 639: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Expanding Roles for Horticulture in Improving Human Well-Being and Life Quality
BALANCING LANDSCAPE PREFERENCES AND WATER USE IN A DESERT ENVIRONMENT |
| Authors: | J.E. Spinti, R.ST. Hilaire, D. VanLeeuwen |
| Keywords: | arid, desert plants, desert landscape, traditional landscape, water conserving landscape, xeriscaping |
| Abstract:
This research used a survey to determine what factors affect landscape preferences, especially factors affecting a willingness to use desert plants. We surveyed 198 homeowners with yards in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Eighty percent of respondents agreed they would be willing to use desert landscaping in their front yards, with 51% reporting they currently had desert landscaping in their front yard. Fifty-six percent of respondents stated they would be willing to use desert landscaping in their back yard, with 23% reporting they currently had desert landscaping in their back yard. Trees were the most desired and widely used landscape plants and 39% of respondents wanted more trees than they currently had. Turf grass was not as highly valued as trees. Although 77% of respondents reported having a grass lawn, 32% of respondents reported they would like to reduce the amount of turf grass in their landscape. Eighty-two percent of respondents agreed that their attitudes about desert plants had become more positive over time. Persons who said they knew a lot about plants were the least likely to use desert plants in a backyard. Respondents reported that water shortages were the most important factor that would cause them to reduce water use to their landscape. We conclude that respondents would be most willing to use desert landscaping in their front yard, especially if the landscape included trees. Also, residents would most likely use less water in their landscape if they perceived there was a water shortage. | |
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