Xeriscaping

(aka Water-wise Landscaping)

Xeriscaping is an approach to landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. These water-wise landscapes are designed to need little or no water beyond what the natural climate provides and have been shown to reduce outdoor water consumption by as much as 50 percent! The beauty of a xeriscape is that it not only helps conserve water, it is also low maintenance — saving you time, energy, and money.

The seven principles of xeriscaping (below) will help you design, install, and maintain an environmentally sound and beautiful landscape.

1. Planning and Design
2. Soil Analysis
3. Appropriate Plant Selection
4. Practical Turf Areas
5. Efficient Irrigation
6. Use of Mulches
7. Appropriate Maintenance

For more information, check out the following resources from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service:
Xeriscape: Seven Steps to a Water-wise Landscape brochure
Guide to Developing a Water-wise Landscape detailed manual
Developing a WaterSmart Landscape brochure

Note: xeriscaping is not the same as zeroscaping, which is no planned landscaping at all.