Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are packed with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Gardening
  3. Landscaping
  4. Landscape Basics
  5. Create a Water-Saving Garden with These 11 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas

Create a Water-Saving Garden with These 11 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas

Viveka Neveln Headshot
By Viveka Neveln Updated June 02, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
curb-appeal foliage plants
Credit: Jon Jensen

Don't let water use restrictions or a lack of rain put a damper on your garden dreams. Plenty of beautiful plants thrive in dry conditions, and xeriscaping techniques can help you make the most of limited moisture. Create a gorgeous, water-saving yard with these drought-tolerant landscaping ideas.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reduce Your Lawn

home exterior
Credit: John Granen

Lawns are notorious water-guzzlers and many types of turf grass require irrigation to stay green during a drought. Replacing at least part of your lawn with water-wise plantings will help you create a more drought-tolerant landscape. Here, pretty beds of drought-tolerant perennials near the house and sidewalk take the place of thirsty grass in this front yard.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Decorative Hardscape Elements

garden groundcovers
Credit: Laurie Black

Many plants supply showy blooms but require tons of water; in place of them, hardscape elements like this circular walkway of pavers around a gravel center furnish visual interest. Garden art, like the sculptures of a whimsical cat and an orb, also can offer interest in place of water-needy plants. This water-saving landscape still looks lush, thanks to the careful selection of shrubs and evergreens that require very little supplemental water (except in times of extreme drought). Drought-tolerant groundcovers, such as the thyme shown here weaving between large stones, provide a good way to catch rainwater that may run off the hardscaping, especially on a gentle slope.

2 of 11

3 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Plant Your Parking Strip

curb-appeal foliage plants
Credit: Jon Jensen

The spaces between the curb and sidewalk are sometimes known as "hell strips" because they tend to be hot, dry places. But they can also become a lush oasis with the right water-wise design. Drought-tolerant plants such as ornamental grasses, low-growing evergreens, and artemisia in this parking strip garden help catch rainwater runoff before it hits the street, reducing soil erosion and downstream pollution while conserving water.

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Install a Water Feature

garden water feature
Credit: Jerry Pavia

A fountain may not seem like a first choice in a drought-tolerant garden, but good design can enable the feature to capture and recycle water. Here, a small raised pond with a fountain dresses up this water-wise yard. The showy foliage of Japanese forest grass and lamb's ear help soften the hardscaping and counteract the warming effect of the pavers. Groundcovers like the thyme shown here also help provide a cooling effect in key areas, such as wide gaps between stones.

4 of 11

5 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rely on Water-Thrifty Plants

flowerbed landscaping
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

This drought-tolerant garden uses several water-saving strategies. A mix of tough but colorful perennials such as the red-flowered penstemon don't require much supplemental moisture to thrive. Several varieties of evergreens that don't mind dry conditions offer structure, height, and color. An oversize boulder fills in a gap between the plants, adding an unexpected focal point.

5 of 11

6 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pick Porous Materials

garden bed native plants
Credit: Edward Gohlich

Help more of the water from irrigation systems or natural precipitation reach your plants by choosing porous materials for hardscape elements. That way, the moisture has a chance to be absorbed by the soil instead of running off. In place of mortar in this garden path, a porous material between paving stones lets rain soak into the soil. A layer of mulch between the drought-tolerant plants also helps reduce water loss while suppressing weeds.

Test Garden Tip: Many plants that have gray or silver foliage have excellent drought tolerance. These include the santolina, lamb's ear, lavender, and Russian sage growing in this garden.

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Design Water-Smart Slopes

corner flowerbed
Credit: Jamie Hadley

A steep slope can be challenging when it comes to managing water run off. This tiered garden bed offers a solution to a sloped area. Large rocks, groundcovers, and a sturdy raised bed on one corner work together to reduce water loss and erosion.

Test Garden Tip: When plants need watering, do so early in the morning or late in the day to reduce water loss from evaporation.

7 of 11

8 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Plant Densely

dense flowerbeds with metal trellis
Credit: Andre' Baranowski

Densely planted flowerbeds help shade soil, which slows moisture from evaporating in the sun's heat. The closely spaced plants also crowd out weeds, reducing the need for mulch. Here, a collection of water-wise plants, including lavender, catmint, goat's beard, and lady's mantle, all require minimal water to create a lush-looking garden.

8 of 11

9 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Go for Groundcovers

drought slope garden
Credit: Mike Jensen

Use groundcovers as a living mulch to slow water evaporation in your drought-tolerant landscape. These low-growing plants also can help minimize water runoff from hardscaping such as steps and sidewalks. Here, water-wise perennials such as thyme, sedum, and sea thrift are small enough to be tucked between and around these stone steps. Plus, they add welcome color with their blooms.

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make the Most of Mulch

porch steps succulents potted plants grasses gravel
Credit: Holly Lepere

Mulch is essential for creating a water-saving landscape. In this garden, gravel serves as an inorganic, low-maintenance mulch around drought-tolerant succulents and grasses. Plus, the gravel makes a permeable walkway, helping to prevent water runoff.

10 of 11

11 of 11

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Group Plants with Similar Water Needs

lavender growing along gravel path
Credit: Lynn Karlin

The easiest way to design a drought-tolerant landscape is with plants that don't require a lot of water to thrive. Native plants often make good choices because they're well adapted to your region's growing conditions. Plants from drier areas of the world, such as lavender shown here, also are naturally quite drought tolerant. Just be sure to group plants with similar watering needs and light requirements together so they all grow well together.

Test Garden Tip: Confine plants that require more moisture to containers so you can target a smaller space for any extra watering instead of having to water your entire garden.

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Viveka Neveln

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 11 Reduce Your Lawn
    2 of 11 Use Decorative Hardscape Elements
    3 of 11 Plant Your Parking Strip
    4 of 11 Install a Water Feature
    5 of 11 Rely on Water-Thrifty Plants
    6 of 11 Pick Porous Materials
    7 of 11 Design Water-Smart Slopes
    8 of 11 Plant Densely
    9 of 11 Go for Groundcovers
    10 of 11 Make the Most of Mulch
    11 of 11 Group Plants with Similar Water Needs

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Create a Water-Saving Garden with These 11 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.