As the demand for and the cost of water increases, water-efficient landscaping is a trend gaining in popularity. A number of terms describe water-conserving landscaping. Xeriscaping, a widely promoted term the past several years, is a word of Greek origin with xeros meaning dry, combined with landscaping. Drought-tolerant indicates the ability of a plant to survive on limited water, although these plants usually look better as water is increased. With improper watering, a drought-resistant plant may become a water guzzler in the landscape.
Nothing is further from the truth.
The potential beauty of these landscapes when well-designed is limited only by the imagination. The idea is to maintain the beauty without being thirsty. This will prove invaluable in helping you visualize the features of your yard and consider plant placement. This will also prevent you from having to move plants placed too close to features or to one another. Common mistakes include planting trees and shrubs too close to house foundations, septic systems, under eaves or where they encroach into walkways and drives.