for a Modern Low-Water Garden
OK, so California isn’t the only state going through a water shortage. At least 30 states in the U.S. currently have some level of drought, ranging from “abnormally dry” conditions in Florida and Massachusetts to the “exceptional drought” currently happening in California and Nevada. (How’s your state faring? You can check using the NOAA’s U.S. Drought Monitor.)
If you live in more one of more than half of the states on the list, water conservation is probably a high priority for you, but honestly, conserving water doesn’t mean you have to live with a dry and neglected garden. And it’s not the only reason to swap your water-loving lawn for a more drought-tolerant landscape. Today’s low-water gardens aren’t just smart and in vogue; they’re downright gorgeous.
These 5 drought-tolerant landscaping ideas look so fresh and modern that they’re an inspiration — even if water conservation isn’t your first goal.
1. Replace your grass with artificial grass.
Grass is the largest water waster in the yard and it’s the most high maintenance item. On top of the watering there’s the mowing, mulching, aerating, fertilizing and re-seeding or re-sodding. Artificial grass doesn’t have to look like a neon green professional football field, either. There are a lot of realistic artificial grass options with varying amounts of multi-colored hatch.
2. Replace your grass with gravel and stone.
Artificial grass looks more like the real deal than ever before, but a gravel, stone and paver garden gives the garden a contemporary, minimalist look. It’s still low maintenance (and requires zero water) and is a great counterpoint to succulents and a fire pit.
3. Use succulents in your garden design ideas.
We can’t get enough of them and the way combining many different types in the same garden adds amazing texture and color.We’re particularly obsessed with aloe, burro’s tails, and hens and chicks.
4. Plant ornamental grasses.
Many types of grasses that aren’t your average green blanket lawn grasses are drought-tolerant and perfect for a low-water garden. Some of the most beautiful and low water ornamental grasses worth adding are:
-
Little Bluestem (grey-green blades that go to shades of purples and red)
-
Fountain Grass
-
Blue Oatgrass
-
Purple Fountaingrass
-
Blue Fescue
-
Pampas Grass
When planting grasses, mix it up: Use both tall and short grasses along with a few of the more colorful grasses thrown in for pop.
5. If you can’t live without flowers, go with perennials.
It’s possible to create a colorful drought-tolerant landscape simply by selecting the right assortment of succulents and colorful grasses. But if you love seeing flowers in your landscape, go for perennials that are sturdier and require less water:
-
Blanket flower (red, yellow and orange daisy-like flowers)
-
Russian Sage (fragrant, delicate silver leaves with fine lavender-color flowers)
-
Yarrow (normally yellow flowers, but there are other color varieties available)
-
Salvia (bold crimson-red blooms)
-
Lavender (fragrant and colorful)
-
Kangaroo Paw (exotic plant with beautiful, bright red, orange or yellow velvety flowers)
How lucky for us that drought-tolerant landscaping can be modern and inspiring? Which will you be trying in your backyard or landscape design?
