Evaluation of plants used in parks in Kirkuk-Hawija region in terms of their suitability for xeriscape

Water shortage is a growing problem due to temperature increases and unpredictable precipitation that occur with changing climate conditions. This problem has negative effects on the lives of not only humans but also all living things, and if the necessary precautions are not taken, future generations will face the problem of water scarcity much more severely. Within the scope of this study, the "xeriscape" approach, which can be a solution to the problem of water scarcity in the field of landscape architecture, was discussed. In this direction, a study was carried out on the xeriscape in the Al-Hawija Region of the Kirkuk Governorate of Iraq, where drought is thought to be seriously felt in the future. In this context, Yarmouk Park, one of the important recreation areas of the region, where no study has been done on xeriscape before, was determined as a sample area. Yarmouk Park was visited at different times, on-site observations and examinations were made, and the data obtained was evaluated in terms of xeriscape criteria. In addition, the existing plant species in the area were identified and their suitability for the xeriscape was discussed. As a result, it has been observed that Yarmouk Park can not meet most of the xeriscape criteria (amount of grass area, mulch use, irrigation systems, soil structure) although most of the existing plant species in the park are drought-tolerant.