A landscape design approach using drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and minimal supplemental watering, reducing water consumption and maintenance.
In plain terms
Xeriscaping (pronounced 'ZER-i-scaping') uses plants and design principles to minimize water. Choose drought-tolerant native plants, mulch heavily, use drip irrigation, minimize lawn. It's not a cactus garden—it includes beautiful, adapted plants requiring minimal water. Lower maintenance, lower water bills, supports native ecosystems.
Why this matters
Xeriscaping reduces water use (critical in dry regions), lowers maintenance and costs, and supports local biodiversity.
In practice
Examples
Traditional landscape: water-hungry ornamentals, overhead sprinklers, high maintenance.