As Cricket Riley, the Nursery and Design Services Director at Ruth Bancroft Gardens, explains, people often think xeriscaping or climate appropriate planting means gardening with no water at all. But it really means using very little supplemental watering once plants are established. The key principles of xeriscaping are to use minimal intervention and less water. So, consider a classic front lawn and the amount of labor and water involved in keeping it looking green and manicured year round. Compare this with front yard landscaping planted with climate appropriate, sustainable plants, that don’t require much supplemental water, using permeable materials and good drainage – you will reduce your water usage, saving money and resources.