Home > Outdoors > Landscaping > Water-Wise Landscape for the Southwest

Water-Wise Landscape for the Southwest

Use this plan and plant list to create an earth-friendly entry garden that conserves and recycles rainwater.

Font
  • A
  • A
  • A

E-mail This Page to Your Friends

x

All fields are required.

Separate multiple e-mail addresses with a comma; Maximum 20 email addresses.

Refresh

Sending E-mail

Sending E-mail

Or Do Not E-mail

Success!

A link to %this page% was e-mailed

This plan can be adapted to a front-door, side-door or rear entrance.

Use this landscape plan to accent your home's entranceway, reduce the amount of ground devoted to turfgrass and make the most of the rain that falls. An artful rain chain and rock-filled basin help slow runoff from the roof and direct water into a dry creek bed. Plants in the stream bed are moisture-tolerant; those outside are drought-tolerant.

This to-do list will help you install this plan's key features:

  • Replace the gutter downspout with a decorative rain chain.
  • Create a depression at the base of rain chain, lined with locally available rocks or decorative gravel to slow water and encourage infiltration on site.
  • Using flagstone or pavers allows more rain to enter the soil beneath than would a concrete walkway; seek out porous pavement options if a more uniform surface is desired.
  • Choose plants well adapted to site, soil and moisture levels (drought-tolerant on higher ground, moisture-tolerant in dry creek bed.
  • Mulch with a generous layer of locally available organic mulch (shredded bark instead of gravel) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

    Other ways to conserve water

  • Install rain barrels at inconspicuous gutter downspouts to catch roof runoff and use the water to irrigate your garden, container plants and lawn.
  • Reduce the amount of lawn by adding native plants adapted to your climate and site conditions.
  • Plant deciduous trees for shade.
  • Plant windbreaks to reduce evapotranspiration.
  • Water plants early in the morning to promote deep root growth. Water thoroughly when you water; don't simply wet the surface.
  • If you're planning to install your driveway — or repave an existing one — use edged gravel, pavers on sand, or porous pavement.
  • Wash your car on the grass instead of the driveway.

    See next page for the plan

    • « Previous12

    We Recommend...

    Landscape Plan: Fruit Garden for the Southwest

    Landscape Plan: Fruit Garden for the Southwest

    Plant the best berries and fruit trees for hot, dry areas, and create a beautiful destination sitting area for your yard.

    Water-Wise Landscape for the Northeast

    Water-Wise Landscape for the Northeast

    This smart garden plan includes a rain chain, rain barrels, a dry creek bed and a mixture of drought-tolerant and...

    Water-Wise Landscape for the Rockies and High Plains

    Water-Wise Landscape for the Rockies and High Plains

    Ninebark, prairie sage, snowberry and other native plants help make the best use of rainfall in this earth-friendly garden design.

    See Also:

    From our Sister Sites:

    Advertisement

    HGTV Outdoors Newsletter

    Find out how to make the most of patios, decks and all your outdoor areas, plus tips from master gardeners for beautiful flower beds and bountiful vegetable gardens.

      Shop Outdoor Products

      Shop outdoor products from fire pits to outdoor furniture, planters and more

      Shop Outdoor Products