Drought-Resistant Gardens
Spring is the ideal time to plan and plant a drought-tolerant garden, especially as California’s climate grows hotter and drier. National guides urge homeowners to choose native, drought-resistant plants to save water and create pollinator-friendly spaces. Communities nationwide are launching workshops to teach residents how to make their yards “pollinator havens.”
California residents are increasingly turning to drought-resistant gardens as a solution to water conservation amid hotter, drier climates. Many are replacing water-intensive lawns with native and drought-tolerant plants. These gardens not only save water but also create habitats for pollinators and reduce the need for fertilizers. Homeowners are embracing hardscape-heavy designs using permeable pavers, decomposed granite, and gravel to minimize water use. Artificial turf and cobblestone accents are also gaining popularity. Strategic planting focuses on California natives like California lilac, manzanita, and toyon, alongside ornamental grasses and succulents. Various workshops and training programs are available to teach residents how to design and maintain drought-tolerant landscapes. Some programs even offer financial incentives, such as rebates for turf replacement and irrigation upgrades. LADWP, for example, offers $5 per square foot for residential customers who replace their lawns with sustainable landscapes.
