Integrating xeriscaping principles for sustainable landscape design: a case study of the RSPG botanical garden

This study explores the integration of xeriscaping principles into the landscape design of the RSPG botanical garden in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, to enhance water conservation and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Xeriscaping, which emphasizes the use of drought-tolerant plant species, efficient irrigation systems, and strategic mulching, was applied to reduce the high-water consumption observed in existing lawn-dominated zones.
The garden’s layout, climate conditions, and plant species distribution were analyzed to assess water requirements.
Results showed that the average water requirement (AWR) was 2.87, indicating a high dependency on water, especially in areas with mesophytes and hygrophytes.
By redesigning the landscape without altering structural elements and substituting high-maintenance lawns with native and low-water plants, the study demonstrated a feasible approach to significantly reduce water usage.
The findings provide practical guidance for landscape designers to adopt xeriscaping in similar environments facing water scarcity.

II International Symposium on Botanical Gardens and Landscapes

U. Ganjanakhundee, R. Panyawut, S. Chomklang, K. Wathakit

xeriscaping, sustainable landscape design, botanical garden

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1455.5