Water-Wise Gardens

Introduction | Planning and Design | Planting a New Garden
Soil Conditioning | Watering Requirements
Limiting Grassy Areas | Fertilizers
Pesticides and Herbicides | Plant Selection
Gardening with Native Plants

Planning and Design

Sun

What portions of the property receive hot afternoon sun? What portions receive morning sun and afternoon shade? The amount of sun exposure will affect the plants you choose.

Function

How do you plan to use your yard? Do children or pets need a play area? Do you wish to have a garden of flowers, or do you want a patio and outdoor relaxation area?

Site Topography

Does your site slope? Does it have low-lying or marshy areas? Is it open and exposed to the sun and wind?

A southwest exposure will have more water evaporation, so use plants that need less water. A northeast exposure is often cooler and damper. Use plants that need more water in this area. An open, windy spot will result in more evaporation than a protected area. Hillsides or slopes face problems with erosion, and grass often dries out quickly in these areas. Consider terracing or planting shrubs and perennials with a spreading root system to hold the soil in place. Plant high water users like begonias, roses, fuchsias and vegetables together, and close to the house where water is easily accessible. Drought-tolerant plants can be placed together further from the house, where water is not as accessible.

View

Are there views you want to protect or screen? Will the plants you've chosen block or screen other plants, or a view you're trying to preserve? Know the mature size of plants you select to keep the views and screening you want.

Time

How much time do you want to spend maintaining your garden? If you'd rather enjoy your yard than work on it, choose low-maintenance plants.