Be sure to choose mixes that are suited to your area. The use of drought-tolerant plants in watering zones will help to lower water use and reduce maintenance. All the plants within a zone should have the same water requirements and can be watered as a group. High-moisture plants should be limited and located where they can be reached easily with a hose. Plants that rarely need supplemental moisture can be used where a water source is not convenient.
Lawns usually use the most water in a landscape.
By using decks and patios, groundcovers and shrub beds, you can limit lawn size and still have an attractive yard. Keep small areas near the home highly manicured and allow areas farther away to naturalize. Group plants of similar cultural needs to save time in site preparation and care. It is difficult to provide proper water and light to all plants if those with dissimilar needs are mixed together. Drier soil cuts down on mildew problems and moisture damage and discourages insect pests like termites and roaches.