Redirect water from downspouts. Plants Go native with your plantings. Focus on growing drought-tolerant plants. Native plants are well-adapted to thrive in our area, having survived climate extremes for hundreds of years. Many of these species feature atractive silver and greyish-white foliage.
Plants have it made in the shade.
Place water-loving plants in areas that receive shade in the afternoon. Even sun-loving plants will do fine provided they receive morning to midday light. In fact, the harsh afternoon sun isn't that great for most plants. Establishing shrubs or placing attractive fencing around vegetable gardens can shelter plants from wind and evaporative moisture loss and prevent soils from drying out as quickly. Mulch like crazy.