Drought-Tolerant Backyard

Waterwise plantings are an obvious choice for the low-maintenance landscape the homeowners wanted. Australian willow (Geijera parviflora), yarrow, lavender and geraniums add flowers, fragrance and texture to the space. California natives, such as California lilac (Ceanothus 'Dark Star') and clover (Trifolium repens), are already adapted to the low-water landscape of the western United States and make an excellent addition to the drought tolerant plantings used here. Christy wanted herbs to use in cooking, so Matt has included Mediterranean plants, such as sage, oregano and rosemary, also valued for their low-water and low-maintenance requirements.