How to Design a Low-Maintenance Waterwise Garden

Water is a precious source of life that we can no longer take for granted. Water must be used wisely. The good news is that by creating a waterwise landscape, you can reduce water usage and cut down on your water bill.

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Some people think drought-tolerant and drought-resistant plants are the same. However, there is a difference between the two. For example, drought-tolerant landscaping involves using plants that can thrive in a landscape with minimal water. Drought-resistant plants can survive prolonged periods of dry weather but do better with moderate or regular water.

Drought-tolerant landscaping is also known as xeriscaping, and it often means utilizing cacti and other desert plants. But you can also incorporate a variety of other plants to bring color and interest to your garden, like Blanket Flowers, Lantana, and others.

Factors to Consider with Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

• Climate: Know your climate zone and select plants that grow in your zone. According to the 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map, San Diego County is in Zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9b.
• Soil: Do you know what soil type you have in your landscape? It’s essential to understand because some soils retain moisture while others allow water to drain swiftly. There are drought-resistant plants that prefer rich soil amended with organic matter, while others, like succulents and cacti, prefer leaner soil. Either way, there must be good drainage.
• Light: While drought-tolerant plants can tolerate the sun, an area with full sun is hotter, which can cause water to evaporate quickly—areas with full or partial shade stay wetter longer.
• Humidity: Water evaporates quicker in regions with low air humidity, like deserts. San Diego County generally has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

Creating a Drought-Tolerant Landscape: What to Do

• Consider environmental factors: Light, soil, temperature, and humidity. Observe how the light hits certain parts of your landscape.
• Create a plan: There is lots of inspiration online or from local sources. However, sites with slopes are difficult, so it may be better to hire a professional landscape designer.
• Amend your soil: Amended soil is better at retaining moisture. It’s also better at capturing rainwater. Water runs off the surface when your landscape’s soil is too compact. You can amend the soil using compost or other organic matter, such as manure, decomposed leaves, or a combination.
• Select drought-resistant or drought-tolerant plants: California natives are an excellent choice for creating a water-wise garden. Plus, native plants attract pollinators and birds to your landscape.
• Group plants with similar watering needs: You can conserve water by grouping plants with similar watering needs together.
• Place your plants close together: When plants are closer together, they shade the soil, minimizing water evaporation. Plus, placing plants closer together can help suppress weeds.
• Create a shade canopy by planting trees: Trees can cool your garden and home. They also act as a windbreak and help reduce water evaporation.

Drought-Resistant Plants for San Diego County

The following are a few drought-resistant plants to add interest to your waterwise garden:

• Hummingbird sage: These fragrant California native plants are lush and bloom magenta-colored flowers.
• Black sage: This fragrant plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has feathery green leaves. It also has attractive stalks of white flowers.
• White sage: Bring drama to your garden by planting these waterwise plants. These plants feature silvery pale green leaves that stand out in the garden. When in bloom, tall stalks of white flowers attract birds and pollinators.
• Pigeon Point coyote bush: These bright green shrubs can withstand heat and thrive with little water. They also bloom profusely with white flowers.
• Channel Islands tree poppy: You’ll love the beautiful yellow flowers that bloom from spring through fall. During “May Gray” and “June Gloom” weather patterns, the flowers will bring a sunny outlook to your garden.
• Rosemary: These wonderfully fragrant plants have dark green foliage that looks great wherever you plant them. They also bloom showy violet flowers. Of course, they’re also a must-have in any kitchen.
• Cacti and Succulents: With so many varieties available, you can create an interesting and attractive waterwise garden using cacti and succulents.
• Lantana: These plants bloom vibrant colors that will pop in your low water use garden.

Experience Quality Service. The Difference…Is Growing

At Westturf Landscape Management, Inc., we take pride in managing properties with little or no chemicals. We are committed to water conservation and natural pruning—for sustainable communities. Our San Diego landscape management services will keep your property attractive and profitable. Call us 760-650-3120 or send us a message.