Xeriscape is a creative landscape designed to save water. We Arizonans love the desert, but we often want an outdoor oasis, a refuge where the fine weather can be enjoyed. With zoned planting and drip irrigation, we can have higher water use plants close to the house, where they provide cooling and shade, and transition to self-sustaining desert varieties at the edges of our yards. Grouping plants with similar watering requirements is the key to successful zoning. Zone 1 is the place for a mini oasis.
Some people use a small turf area or lush garden.
Others prefer the typical southwestern approach - a paved patio with lots of potted plants and a tree or vines for shade. This is a good place to use deciduous plants for shade in the summer and sun during the winter to cut energy costs. Zone 2 should include low water use groundcovers and shrubs. Mounding and contouring techniques, as well as mini-basins can be used in this area to harvest rainwater. Observing how rain runs off your yard will give you a good idea of how to contour your landscape.