Why switch to drought tolerant plants?Xeriscaping, or landscaping with water conservation in mind, is becoming quite popular. Increasingly people are looking for ways to responsibly conserve water as a resource, save on the water bill and, ultimately, create a lower maintenance landscape in their yard.
What are some good lawn alternatives?
The biggest offenders when it comes to residential water consumption are grass lawns. But not all grasses are water-hogs. So if you're fond of the grass look, try "planting a meadow." Here are a few alternatives to the traditional monochromatic and manicured grass lawn.
- Blue fescue, Festuca glauca, 'Elijah Blue'
This is an ornamental grass with an icy-blue color. Once established, it needs only occasional water. This is fast growing and likes full sun. - Maiden grass Miscanthus sinensis, 'Gracillimus'
This grass is very adaptable to both heat and drought once established. It prefers full sun and occasionally moist to mostly dry soil. - Purple fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum, 'Rubrum'
This grass forms neat clumps and it's topped with red flower spikes through fall. It's semi-evergreen and prefers full sun.
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