Xeriscaping designs a landscape to thrive with minimal watering — increasingly valuable as summers get drier and watering restrictions become common in parts of BC. Done well, it's low-maintenance and attractive, not just gravel and cactus.
Choose the right plants
Use drought-tolerant and native plants suited to your region — they need less water once established and support local pollinators. Group plants by water needs so you're not overwatering the tough ones to keep the thirsty ones alive.
Improve soil and mulch
Healthy soil that holds moisture and a generous layer of mulch dramatically cut watering by reducing evaporation and suppressing weeds. Mulch is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost xeriscape steps.
Rethink the lawn
Lawns are the thirstiest part of most yards. Shrinking the lawn, replacing it with drought-tolerant ground cover or planting beds, and watering efficiently (deep and infrequent, early morning) saves the most water.