The owner of MCH Floral Studio in New York, Mary Catesby Halsey has extensive experience working for local florists. Alongside providing flowers for a diverse range of events, Mary Catesby Halsey has an interest in landscape design, especially for xeriscaping.
Originally conceived in response to drought conditions in Denver, xeriscaping offers the opportunity to save on water and create beautiful landscapes that require less maintenance. An important piece of successful xeriscaping involves adequate preparation of the soil.
The best soil for xeriscaping will hold water without draining too quickly like sand. Often during building of a new home, the rich layer of topsoil will be lost. In order to restore the soil, add organic matter such as peat moss, aged manure, or compost. Organic matter will help plants flourish by bringing balance regardless of whether existing soil has too much clay or too much sand.
Healthy soil also renders chemical supplements and artificial fertilizers unnecessary. Additional organic matter may be added each year to help maintain soil health. Another way to ensure the continuing health of the soil consists of protecting it with a thick layer of mulch such as wood chips, shredded bark, or pine needles.
Mary Catesby Halsey 