Water-Efficient Landscape Photo Gallery

Peoria, Arizona

Submitter: City of Peoria

Water-efficient features: To create a water-efficient landscape, this Desert Fusion Garden removed the turfgrass from the site and replaced it with beautiful, low-water-use landscaping from deserts around the world. Decomposed granite, decorative boulders, an efficient irrigation system, and shade structures are key elements to the garden's design. The garden is divided into five display areas, giving visitors several options when considering their own landscape.

Plants used: Acacia aneura, Olneya tesota, Prosopis velutina, Quercus ilex, Pinus eldarica, Lantana montevidensis, Malephora lutea, Buddleia marrubifolia

Scottsdale, Arizona

Submitter: Carol Stuttard

Water-efficient features: Drought-tolerant, succulent plants and native trees create this desert oasis landscape that needs minimal supplemental watering. Swales filled with local rocks help collect water, increasing infiltration and reducing runoff. Native trees produce shade, reducing evaporative water loss. And placement of larger rocks on the southwest sides of plants shade and cool roots which conserves moisture. When supplemental water is needed, it is provided through efficient drip irrigation.

Plants used: Agave macroacantha, Hedgehog cactus, Palo Brea, Penstemon superbus, Verbena, Desert Milkweed, Yellow lantana, Aloe ferox, Desert marigold, Senna artemisioidies

Elk Grove, California

Submitter: Soleil Tranquilli

Water-efficient features: Primarily native Californian plants were used beneath old established Redwoods for a woodland look. Lawn was removed and replaced by low growing groundcover to open up the yard and add a colorful backdrop for the owner's artwork to be displayed. Mulch was used throughout the landscape to reduce evaporative water loss and increase soil moisture.

Plants used: Carpenteria californica, Cornus stolonifera, Mahonia, Rhamnus, Arctostaphylos Emerald Carpet, Festuca californica, Juncus patens, Muhlenbergia rigens, Eschscholzia californica, Teucrium fruticans

Fair Oaks, California

Submitter: Cynthia Gause

Water-efficient features: This backyard patio accomplished its water-efficient design through use of low-water-use plants, shade structures and permeable pavements. Prior to planting, the soil was amended by adding compost to increase water retention and all planting beds were mulched to conserve moisture. Landscaped areas are grouped by hydrozone to minimize excess water use and shade structures reduce evaporative water loss. Efficient drip irrigation is the primary irrigation installed.

Plants used: Hardenbergia violacea, Mimulus aurantiacus, Stachys byzantine, Festuca glauca, Allium schoenoprasum, Poliomintha longiflora, Thymus psedolanuginosus

Los Altos, California

Submitter: Julie Orr Design

Water-efficient features: This GreenPoint Rated landscape from Build It Green in California uses drought-tolerant plants to reduce water need and mulch to cover the soil, retaining moisture by the plant roots and reducing evaporation. Plants are grouped by hydrozone to save water and shade trees increase passive cooling of the landscape, reducing evaporation. All hardscape is permeable, allowing stormwater to stay onsite. And an efficient irrigation system with MP rotator spray heads and drip irrigation reduces water waste.

Plants used: Calamagrostis foliosa, Carex tumulicola, Erica canaliculata, Euphoria characias wulfenii, Carpenteria californica, Pennisetum orientale, Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Stipa arundinacea

Roseville, California

Submitter: Katrina Leonidov Fairchild, APLD

Water-efficient features: This Mediterranean-inspired landscape design features xeriscape plants and porous hardscape material to minimize water need and allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil. Approximately 1040 square feet of lawn was replaced by hollow pavers (as part of the driveway) and filled with soil and Thyme groundcover to enhance infiltration and minimize stormwater runoff. All soil is covered with synthetic mulch to conserve moisture at the plant's roots and reduce water loss from evaporation.

Plants used: Pinus pinea, Cupressus sempervirens, Carpet Roses, Lime Euphorbias, Berberis thunbergii, Loropetalum chinese, Tulbaghia violacea, Ligustrum lucidum, Buddleja davidii

Santa Rosa, California

Submitter: Marizco Landscape Management, Inc.

Water-efficient features: To create this water-efficient landscape, 3,000 sq ft of high-water-use turfgrass was removed and replaced with 350 plants. The plants are mainly drought-tolerant and low-water-use, with a small percentage of medium-water-use plants. The existing overhead spray irrigation system was replaced with a pressure-compensating drip irrigation system. A 2" layer of mulch was added throughout to reduce water loss through evaporation. The existing overhead spray irrigation system was replaced with an efficient pressure-compensating drip irrigation system.

Plants used: Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman', Ceanothus 'El Dorado', Euphorbia 'Efthania', Calamagratis 'Karl Forester', Lavandula 'Otto Quatsi', Lavandula 'Provence', Penstemon 'Red Riding Hood', Santolina 'Lemon Fizz', Salvia 'Melton Blue'

Carlsbad, California

Submitter: Brookfield Homes San Diego/Riverside Division

Water-efficient features: This home participated in the California Friendly Model Home incentive program provided by the San Diego County Water Authority, its member agencies, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The landscape uses exclusively drought-tolerant, and low-water-use plants, and mostly native plant material that is appropriate for the local climate. All landscape areas are mulched with wood mulch to hold in soil moisture. Landscaped areas are grouped by hydrozones and environmental needs to minimize excess water use. Turf grasses were not used as part of the plant palette to reduce the need for water.

Plants used: Yucca elephantipes marginata, Aloe Bainesii, Quercus agrifolia, Agave attenuata, Bougainvillea 'La Jolla', Cistus purpureus, Lantana Montevidensis, Salvia greggi

Encinitas, California

Submitter: Gary Mills

Water-efficient features: This large, succulent garden rarely requires any supplemental watering because of its reliance on low water use plantings that are appropriate for the climate of coastal Southern California. Although there is a complete irrigation system installed, it is never needed. All of the grounds are covered with rocks, gravel and lava rocks to help decrease water evaporation from the soil.

Plants used: Agave Angustifolia, Alluidia, Aloe Barberae, Aloe Ferox, Agave Angustifolia, Agave Parryi, Beaucarnea Recurvata, Butia Capitata (Pinto Palm), Dasylirion Wheeleri, Dracaena Draco, Euphorbia Ammak, Euphorbia Inges, Euphorbia Milii

Escondido, California

Submitter: Diane Downey

Water-efficient features:California-friendly and Mediterranean plants, combined with rainwater harvesting, passive solar cooling and low-water-use drip irrigation transformed this large lot into a park-like setting. Permeable interlocking pavers and decomposed granite pathways reduce water runoff. The permeable pavers, rain garden and rain barrels allow for the capture and return of rainwater to the soil.

Plants used: Westringia fruiticosa, Cistus salvifolius, Carpenteria californica, Arctostaphylos densiflora, Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Aloe Vera, Echeveria elegans, Cotyledon orbiculata

Escondido, California

Submitter: San Diego County Water Authority/City of Escondido/MWDSC/Bill and Vannete Wirant

Water-efficient features: Tired of a thirsty, east coast-style landscape inappropriate for California, the homeowners replaced a large turf area with water-efficient, attractive plants. The soil was amended to increase stabilization and water retention. Mulch was applied throughout the landscape to prevent weed growth and retain moisture. A drip irrigation system was installed with a weather-based irrigation controller to irrigate according to plant water needs.

Plants used: Phoenix roebelenii, Cycas revolut, Sedum lydium, Strelitzia reginae, Agave tequilana, Aloe striata, Dymondia margaretae, Euphorbia tirucalli, Festuca glauca, Myoporum parvifolium

Lakeside, California

Submitter: San Diego County Water Authority/Lakeside Water District/MWDSC/Joel and Bev Margolis

Water-efficient features: To create this water-efficient landscape, 3,000 square feet of turf was removed and replaced with water-wise plantings. A smart irrigation controller was installed to irrigate according to plant water needs and climatic conditions. Mulch is used throughout the site to prevent weed growth, retain moisture, and moderate soil temperature. A dry creek bed helps retain storm water and minimize runoff.

Plants used: Arbutus unedo, Pinus canariensis, Bougainvillea brasiliensis, Euphorbia milii, Lavandula dentate, Nerium oleander, Phormium tenax, Salvia clevelandii, Festuca glauca, Rosemarinus officinalis

San Diego, California

Submitter: H.G. Fenton Company

Water-efficient features: This California Friendly landscape incorporates low-water-use plants, proven to work well within the San Diego region. Plants are grouped according to their water needs (hydrozoning) to reduce landscape water use. Artificial turf eliminates turf irrigation needs and bark mulch is used in planting beds to retain soil moisture. The inline drip irrigation system is set below the mulch to reduce evaporative water loss.

Plants used: Aloe Barabrae (Bainesii), Cassia Fistula, Syagrus romanzoffianum, Nassella tenuissima, Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', Phoenix roebelenii, Strelitzia Nicolai, Ficus repens, Agave Americana

San Diego, California

Pardee Homes

Water-efficient features: This low maintenance, water-saving landscape is part of a master-planned community noted for environmentally-friendly, sustainable landscaping measures. The front yard replaces the traditional lawn approach with drought tolerant trees, ground covers, shrubs and potted plants to reduce water need. Mulch covers the soil, reducing water loss through evaporation and preventing weed growth. The efficient drip irrigation system is controlled by a smart, weather-based irrigation controller.

Plants used: Tristania conferta, Rhus lancea, Strelitzia nicolai, Agave attenuata, Bougainvillea, 'San Diego Red', Echium candicans, Senecio mandraliscae, Festuga ovina, 'Glauca', Phormium.

Gainesville, Virginia

Submitter: Bethany Bezak

Water-efficient features: This award-wining landscape features CCLC's Eight Essential Elements of Conservation Landscaping. Native meadow plants as well as native shrubs and trees reduce the site's need for supplemental watering, fertilizers or maintenance. The facility features a highly reflective white roof, permeable concrete, a green roof as well as an underground cistern that collects rain from the roof to be used for drip irrigation. There is also a 4,000 gallon above-ground cistern that collects roof water to be used for toilets in the facility. Organic gardening and composting practices are used in the vegetable garden. Click herefor more information on CCLC's contest.

Plants used: Nyssa sylvatica, Aronia arbutifolia, Rudbeckia triloba, Heliopsis helianthoides, Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias syriaca, Fothergilla gardenia, Echinacea purpurea, Itea virginica

Joshua Tree, California

Submitter: Joshua Basin Water District and RGA Landscape Architects, Inc

Water-efficient features: This Rock Garden landscape is one of 5 themed designs in the Joshua Tree Water Wise Demonstration Garden for Mojave Desert landscapes. Hydrozones include very low-water-use desert natives that are irrigated only until plant establishment, desert trees, and low-water-use desert shrubs. The garden features a weather-based smart irrigation controller using real-time weather data. For more information, visit Joshua Basin's website: www.jbwd.com.

Plants used: Heteromeles arbutifolia, Larrea tridentata, Atriplex canescens, Justicia californica, Encelia farinosa, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, Hesperaloe parvifolia, Dasylirion wheeleri, Agave americana

Naples, Florida

Submitter: South Florida Water Management District

Water-efficient features: This Xtreme Yard Makeover showcases how an unremarkable, water-wasting residential landscape can be transformed into a lush, Florida-friendly landscape saving its owner time, money and water, while contributing less stormwater runoff to the neighborhood. All plant material in this Florida-friendly yard is drought tolerant and appropriate for Florida's climate. Planting beds are mulched 3 inches deep with Melaeuca to conserve water at the plant's roots. The irrigation system includes a rain sensor and high-efficiency pop-up sprinklers, drip, and micro-jets to irrigate directly at the root zone of the plant.

Plants used: Double Pygmy Palm, Slash Pine, Crepe Myrtle, Green Buttonwood, Fiddlewood, Plumbago, Saw Palmetto, Draecena, Coral Vine, White Mandevilla Vine, Jacquemontia, Bouganvilla, Mondo Grass

Winter Haven, Florida

Submitter: Polk County Utilities and McDowell Landscaping

Water-efficient features: This Florida Friendly Demonstration Garden reduces water need by using low-water-use plants, shade trees, mulches and permeable pavements. Shade trees work to keep the landscape cool and reduce evaporative water loss, while mulches help conserve water in the soil. Permeable walkways increase water infiltration and reduce water runoff. Since establishment, this landscape has required no supplemental water.

Plants used: Red maple, cabbage, queen and fan palms, Crepe Myrtle, Plumbago, Crinum lily, firebush, hibiscus, Allamanda, Bird of Paradise, Firecracker plants, beach sunflowers, mimosa

Schaumburg, Illinois

Submitter: Tallgrass Restoration, LLC

Water-efficient features: This native perennial landscape uses plants well adapted to local soils and environmental conditions including summer heat and drought. Native landscapes reduce maintenance costs associated with labor, water, fertilizer, herbicide, and mowing, while also increasing the property's capacity to intercept rainfall. The roots of native plants are very dense and deep, and hold water well, dramatically limiting soil erosion caused by flooding and runoff.

Plants used: Aster, Beardtongue, Black-eyed Susan, Blazingstar, Butterfly Milkweed, Columbine, Goldenrod, Little Bluestem, Monarda, Phlox, Purple Coneflower, Rattlesnake Master, Shooting Star, Switch Grass

Raleigh, North Carolina

Submitter: Evan Keto, Cinnamon Black and Lisa Wallace

Water-efficient features: Winner of the Sir Walter Raleigh's 2010 Site Enhancement Award, this WaterWise Demonstration Garden saves water by using appropriate plants, mulch, and soil amendments. The site's soil is amended with a clay conditioner to increase its water-holding capacity. Seventeen species of low-water using, non-invasive plants decrease the site's need for supplemental water. Wood mulch and river stone help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds. And all watering is done by hand, and directed at the plant roots to control water use.

Plants used: Achillea millefolium, Coreopsis verticillata, Delosperma cooperi, Delosperma nubigenum, Panicum virgatum, Rudbeckia fulgida, Stokesia laevis, Thuja occidentalis, Yucca filamentosa

Plano, Texas

Submitter: Tonia M. Biggs

Water-efficient features: Tired of a high water use, high maintenance lawn, the owners of this landscape removed the Bermuda grass and replaced it with low-water-use and native plant species. Organic soil amendments were added to increase water infiltration and retention. And Colorado River rock was used at the base of the roof downspouts to slow and diffuse rainwater, allowing for increased infiltration and reduced runoff. In addition to using less water, the native plant species in this landscape attract and feed native wildlife.

Plants used: Salvia greggii, Symphoricarpus orbiculatus, American Beautyberry, Texas Gold Columbine, Lambs Ear, Yarrow, Live Oak Tree, Clematis texensis, Rosemary, Echinacea purpurea

Milton, Wisconsin

Submitter: Tallgrass Restoration, LLC

Water-efficient features: This prairie restoration project features 220 acres of tall grass prairie. Native perennials were used in this landscape because they are well adapted to local soils and environmental conditions including summer heat and drought. They also have dense, deep roots that hold water well, dramatically limiting soil erosion caused by flooding and runoff.

Plants used: A variety of seed mixes including a dry prairie seed mix, mesic prairie seed mix, wet prairie seed mix, and wet savanna seed mix; all mixes use a variety of different forbs and grasses.

Forney, Texas

Submitter: Karen Sanders

Water-efficient features: Drought tolerant plants, a rain garden, and permeable pathways transformed this yard into a functional, water-efficient, and stormwater savvy landscape. A raised walkway and flower beds with drought tolerant plants from the Texas SmartScape website were used to reduce landscape water use and increase infiltration. The planting beds are composted and mulched to conserve water in the soil and a rain garden and dry rock beds help with stormwater control. The turfgrass is allowed to grow to a longer length to reduce maintenance time and water use.

Plants used: Crepe Myrtles, Liriope, Hostas, Dwarf Fountain Grass, Salvia Greggi, Rose of Sharon, Canna, existing bermuda grass

Tacoma, Washington

Submitter: City of Tacoma

Water-efficient features: The City of Tacoma's Evirohouse features native, low-water-use and drought-tolerant plants that are appropriate for the region's climate. Planting beds are hydrozoned to include medium, low, and very low water use beds. Soil amendments build organic matter and increase moisture. Mulch is used to reduce soil water loss. MP rotators, drip irrigation and a weather-based irrigation controller reduce irrigation water use. Roof runoff is captured in rain barrels for later use in the landscape.

Plants used: Garry Oak, Goldenrain Tree, Shore Pine, David Viburnum, 'Autumn Joy' Sedum, Creeping Raspberry, Ecolawn, Kinnikinnick, Perennial Ryegrass, Yarrow

Bellevue, Washington

Submitter: City of Bellevue

Water-efficient features: This Waterwise Garden is full of water-saving ideas for gardens of any size, age or style. The water-saving features include: selecting plants suited to site conditions and grouping plants with similar water needs for more efficient water use; replacing hard to maintain, struggling lawns on slopes, in poor soils, or in shade with more colorful, lower care plants; adding compost to soil to store moisture for plants; mulching to conserve water and prevent weeds; use of drip irrigation and weather-based irrigation control; and use of a dedicated outdoor meter to monitor water use. For more information on this garden, visit the City of Bellevue website.

Plants used: Cotinus coggygria, 'Royal Purple', Euphorbia characias, Allium, Nepeta x faassenii, 'Dropmore', Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea'. For a complete plant listing, visit Bellevue Botanical Garden Collection Search and go to the map for the Waterwise Garden.

West Jordan, Utah

Submitter: Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District

Water-efficient features: This dry shade garden of the Conservation Garden Park showcases smaller deciduous Utah-native trees, evergreens, shrubs and perennials. It only requires about 7 inches of supplemental irrigation per year and provides an informal but comfortable feel as if you are in a natural woodland setting. There is no turf in this landscape, and it is entirely irrigated with sub-surface drip irrigation tubing.

Plants used: Quercus gambelii, Chionodoxa forbesii, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Philadelphus microphyllus, Paxistima myrsinites, Sedum spectabile 'Neon', Narcissus spp, Tulipa spp., Cyclamen hederifolium

West Jordan, Utah

Submitter: Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District

Water-efficient features: This yard demonstrates the very lowest water-need landscape within the Conservation Garden Park. Extreme drought tolerance is achieved by using many Utah native and drought adapted plant species in gravel mulch. After a three-year establishment period, this landscape has survived on only rain and snowfall. This landscape demonstrates that proper plant choices based on climatic conditions can produce beautiful landscapes with minimal water and maintenance.

Plants used: Sporobolus airoides, Berlandiera lyrata, Fallugia paradoxa, Artemisia nova, Sphaeralcea caespitosa, Yucca baileyi, Pinus edulis, Juniperus scopulorum, Achillea clavennae

West Jordan, Utah

Submitter: Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District

Water-efficient features: Home landscapes can be showpieces of year-round color and still save water as is shown by this landscape. The landscape consists primarily of traditional and low-water-need perennials with some shrubs and just a small section of turf. Everything but the turf is irrigated with sub-surface drip irrigation tubing. This area changes throughout the season as the many species grow and bloom at varied times of the year. If there is any question about waterwise landscaping being beautiful, this landscape will remove all doubt.

Plants used: Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues', Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', Phlox paniculata 'Katherine', Lavandula angustifolia, Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb', Cercocarpus ledifolius

West Jordan, Utah

Submitter: Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District

Water-efficient features: This landscape was designed to mimic the traditional home landscape in northern Utah, with some important modifications. These modifications include a reduced turf area, using buffalo grass as opposed to bluegrass, using a drip irrigation system, and planting a larger number of Waterwise plants (i.e. lower water requirement).

Plants used: Buchloë dactyloides, Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Koelreuteria paniculata, Gymnocladus dioica, Rosa 'Pink Grootendorst', Prunus tomentosa, Tilia tomentosa 'Sterling', Agastache rupestris

Orem, Utah

Submitter: Central Utah Gardens

Water-efficient features: The Central Utah Gardens exhibit and encourage efficient water use in Utah landscapes. This public garden saves water by limiting turf areas, using alternate turf varieties, and planting medium, low, and very low water using plants. The site also incorporates use of organic and inorganic mulches to conserve water at the plant's roots and soil amendments increase permeability and water retention. Efficient drip irrigation and microsprays also reduce water waste.

Plants used: Arctostaphulus, Buddleia, Juniperus, Achillea, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Echinacea, Geranium, Iris, Lavandula angustifolia, Sedum, Zinnia, Acer grandidentatum, Albizia julibrissin, Cetlis occidentalis

Newport News, Virginia

Submitter: Fred Farris

Water-efficient features: This award-wining landscape features CCLC's Eight Essential Elements of Conservation Landscaping. Located within a mile of the James River, a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, the Virginia Living Museum maintains primarily undisturbed woodlands. The museum features a conservation garden with 7 themes (e.g., nurturing the soil, gardening for wildlife, conserving water) which is accessible to visitors of all ages. Two green roofs complement this already diverse property by helping with stormwater runoff and promoting clean air. Permeable pavements are used throughout the site to allow water to infiltrate the soil reducing stormwater runoff. Click here for more information on CCLC's contest.

Plants used: Acer negundo, Liriodendron tulipifera, Amorpha fruticosa, Cephalanthus occidentalis, Ilex vomitoria, Passiflora incarnate, Adiantum pedatum, Muhlenbergia capillaries, Arisaema triphyllum, Chelone glabra

York, Pennsylvania

Submitter: Michael Schmotzer

Water-efficient features: This award-wining landscape features CCLC's Eight Essential Elements of Conservation Landscaping. With the goal of maintaining diversity on a small site, this property features a multitude of small gardens that take advantage of natural existing elements. Despite its small acreage, the site features over 200 species of plants (over 90 percent native) in meadow, forest and rain garden plantings. Native plants, which are adapted to the climatic conditions of the area, survive on the local rainfall, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation. Non-garden-bed areas are planted as no-mow lawn and leaves are kept on site to promote healthy woodland soil that retains nutrients and water. Kitchen scraps as well as garden cuttings are composted and used in planting beds, and downed woody material is shredded and used on paths. Click here for more information on CCLC's contest.

Plants used: Allium cernuum, Asclepias tuberose, Bouteloua curtipendula, Coreopsis verticillata, Penstemon digitalis, Ruellia humilis, Cornus racemosa, Asarum canadense, Schizachyrium scoparius

Junction, Texas

Submitter: Scott Richardson; designed by Billy Kniffen

Water-efficient features: Junction Middle School's water-savvy landscape features rain gardens and a large palette of native perennials. Five rain gardens capture rainwater from the school's roof, reducing stormwater runoff and increasing infiltration. Nearly three hundred native grasses, shrubs and trees cover the landscape which needs minimal supplemental water. Mulch covers the soil around the plants reducing water loss from evaporation. An efficient drip irrigation system irrigates plantings only during the driest months. Volunteer students and adults gerously donated their time to creating this conservation landscape, dedicated to the memory of Opal B. Roberts, an exceptional teacher.

Plants used: Little Bluestem, Sideoats grama, Texas Lantana, Prairie Phlox, Goldenrod, Maximillian Sunflower, Standing Cypress, Salvia Greggi, Black Walnut, Desert Willow, Red yucca.