The guide

Xeriscape is not zero-scape - it is a design approach that keeps a yard attractive on far less water, which matters at our 12-14 inches of annual rainfall.

• Build on seven principles: good design, soil improvement, practical turf areas, efficient irrigation, mulch, low-water plants, and maintenance.
• Group plants into hydrozones by water need so thirsty and drought-tolerant plants are not on the same schedule.
• Improve the soil and apply 3-4 inches of mulch to cut evaporation and moderate soil temperature.
• Limit high-water turf to functional areas; use adapted plants, gravel and permeable hardscape elsewhere.
• Plan for wind and late frosts with sheltered microclimates and adapted species.