by Lorraine Masonheimer

The Castle Pines North Metro District’s three-phased Xeriscape project begins in July at the Community Center, located at 7404 Yorkshire Drive. The Metro District Board recently allocated $120,000 to the venture which will take two and half months to complete.

The plan introduces low water use perennial shrubs and native grasses, along with mulch and river rock. Water-thrifty flower beds will dress the planters near the building. Large sections of water guzzling Kentucky blue grass will be removed, potentially saving the Metro District 40 percent in water usage.

The Metro District Board established an Integrated Water Resource Plan in 2006 to reduce water consumption by 10 percent. “The Xeriscape project is a good start toward this goal,” said Bruce Thompson, Metro District Board Member. The district will save water and reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides around the Community Center.

When this project is complete, residents can see firsthand how to incorporate Xeriscape concepts to their yards.

In April, Douglas County and area water providers mailed DVD’s on Xeriscaping to the homes in CPN. Residents can learn Xeriscape methods through landscape design using plants and grasses that thrive with little water, saving money and resources.

Learn more at www.cpnmd.org or contact the Metro District at 303-688-8550.

Editor’s Note: Xeriscape is a registered trademark and is a term coined by The Denver Water Department to promote water conservation.