Creating water-efficient landscape designs begin with proper planning.  Proper planning begins with vision and a design appropriate plan.

There is such a misconception that Xeriscape design is nothing more than cacti and rock.  While I am enthralled with what can be done from a design perspective with cacti, succulents, and other species such as Saguaros, there are many alternatives to these drought-tolerant plants that can create that sub-tropical “green” feel and still maintain water-efficiency.

You need to start the planning phase by doing some research.  Educate yourself on the different types of plants available for your climate.  A walk through the local nursery is a good start.  Often times, they only carry mainstream plant material.  A great place to really see what plant material is available is through the internet. A great source for the novice is High Country Gardens where you will get great pictures of various drought-tolerant plant material.  Just make sure that what you choose is appropriate for you region and zonal climate.

After you have done your preliminary research, sketch out your yard to scale.  Most landscape architects and designers use 1/8″ = 1-0′ as the standard scale.  Hint…if you are putting in a swimming pool, get a copy of the design from the pool contractor.  Then,  get tracing paper, do an overlay and create your design.  You just saved yourself a lot of time and energy by not having to measure and re-create the rear yard.  A word of caution…always check a few measurements against the scale.  I have caught pool contractors making measuring errors.  This could be a formula for disaster if you have a small rear yard or live in a tightly controlled HOA and your incorrect measurements cause you to encroach on an area that you should not cross into and violate.  Incorporate into the design all your existing hardscape elements, major trees and any plants that you wish to keep in the design, if that is your choice.

At  this point, it is time to get your creative juices flowing and create your design.  Having a basic understanding of growth patterns of the various plant materials you wish to incorporate will be of a great benefit.  You might find that you can start with a smaller size and let them grow if the particular plant is rapid growing.  If it is a plant like a Barrel Cactus that you are using as a focal point, you might wish to choose a larger size cactus as the growth pattern is very slow.

Consider the following when you map out your design:

*Landscape budget

*Appearance…The “Wow Factor”

*Function

*Maintenance

*Water Requirements

If you find this task too daunting, you might wish to retain the services of a qualified landscape architect or designer. They, along with local nurserymen and county extension agents are excellent resources to assist you with making the best decision.  Appropriate planning and design will help keep your design challenges to a minimum.  They will help to ensure that the final product is a culmination of both your dreams and what makes sense.  This planning is totally Empowering!