Gardening in a Drought: Three Simple Steps to Dream Gardens
We are in a drought, but don't hang up your gardening gloves just yet! California is home to many native drought-resilient plants and trees that will grow to provide beautiful gardens and shade. Get started on your drought-resilient landscaping today. Here's how:
Step 1: Prepare your Waterwise Garden
Before choosing what water-saving plants go best in your yard, be sure to prepare your garden for the transformation.
Begin by thinking what you want your landscape to do for you? Create a plan that includes what it looks like, what you are getting out of it, and what it does for you. If you enjoy drinking a cup of coffee and bird watching, make it a haven for local birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Many water-saving plants are good at attracting pollinators. Continue with a list of personal goals. This can include a comfortable place to sit and read, simple to maintain, or looks nice.
Do your homework, research the plant types that work for your space and how it is going to get watered (irrigation system). Another great tool is our
Landscape Transformation Basics workshop, teaching you the basics you need to know to start planning your landscape transformation. As an added plus, you can access rebates for those landscape updates, visit
bewaterwise.com to find out how you can get money back!
Step 2: Consider California Native Plants
Lawns are boring! Gardens filled with California native plants are not only beautiful, but bright, use less water, and provide homes and food for butterflies and other local critters alike.
Native plant varieties that you may consider include:
Step 3: Choosing Waterwise Plants
Now to choosing. Waterwise plants, such as the California Buckwheat, Sages, and Toyon, are excellent choices when considering the best ways to drought-proof your yard. Other waterwise plants you may consider include succulents and native bunch grasses such as Deergrass.
Show us your #WaterWise yards or plant picks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram by hash-tagging #waterwisecommunity.