- Rain Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Succulent Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Native Plant Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Rock Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Ornamental Grass<\/a><\/li>
- Drought-Resistant Grass<\/a><\/li>
- Drip Irrigation<\/a><\/li>
- Mulch<\/a><\/li>
- Raised Beds<\/a><\/li>
- Container Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Hardscaping<\/a><\/li>
- Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Key takeaways about drought-tolerant landscaping:<\/strong><\/p>
- Reduces water use by 35% to 75% compared to traditional landscaping. <\/li>
- Takes advantage of your yard\u2019s natural conditions.<\/li>
- Relies on native or adapted plants that thrive with minimal irrigation and care.<\/li>
- Success comes from combining key elements: planning, soil preparation, plant selection, mulching, irrigation, and maintenance.<\/li>
- The next level is xeriscaping<\/a> \u2014 more focus on hardscapes with even less water use.<\/li> <\/ul>
The best way to start your drought tolerant landscaping project is one step at a time \u2014 convert one garden corner, then expand from there. For entire yard conversions, the planning and coordination involved usually require the expertise of a professional landscape designer<\/a>. <\/p>
Here are 12 beautiful drought-tolerant landscaping ideas you can use to inspire your low-water yard project.<\/p>
1. Rain Gardens for Low-Spots<\/h2>
![\"Urban](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Rain-Garden-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Philadelphia Water Department<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Want a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape that handles both drought and drainage issues? Rain gardens are your answer.<\/p>
Rain gardens<\/a> collect stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and streets, turning a potential headache into an asset. The plants above? They\u2019re thriving on collected rainwater alone.<\/p>
Design tips:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Design your rain garden<\/a> to be 20%-30% the size of the area it collects water from. <\/li>
- Select plants that can handle wet and dry spells \u2014 purple coneflower or switchgrass work great. <\/li> <\/ul>
Costs: <\/strong>Installing a rain garden ranges from $2 to $16<\/strong> per square foot. <\/p>
2. Succulent Garden for Dry, Sunny Slopes<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Succulent-Garden-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: KM<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Succulents are resilient plants that don\u2019t need water very often. They store moisture in their fleshy leaves and only require water every 2-4 weeks once they are settled in.<\/p>
Succulents and cacti are perfect for well-draining sandy or rocky soil, or covering dry, sunny slopes.<\/p>
The image above shows a colorful mix you can be inspired by. Look how the hens and chicks flow around the rocks like water, and the Burro\u2019s tail cascades over that back boulder. No straight lines, only natural curves.<\/p>
Design tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Mix 2-3 colors with spiky, round, and trailing varieties<\/li>
- Skip straight lines \u2014 follow your yard\u2019s natural contours when planting.<\/li> <\/ul>
Costs: $3 to $20+<\/strong> per plant, plus boulders and gravel<\/p>
See Related:<\/strong> How to Create a Succulent Garden<\/a><\/p>
3. Self-Growing Native Plant Garden<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Native-Plant-Garden-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: JKehoe_Photos<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Mix native plants into a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape that even beginners can nail.<\/p>
Native plants are already adapted to the local soil, rainfall, and temperatures. Once established, these drought-tolerant perennials basically take care of themselves. <\/p>
The result? A colorful, gorgeous landscape buzzing with pollinators and wildlife.<\/p>
The beautiful drought-tolerant backyard above showcases stunning California natives, like cream bush, dune tansy, and blue-eyed grass. <\/p>
Design tips: <\/strong><\/p>
- Mix plants with different blooming seasons.<\/li>
- Check out local nurseries and botanical gardens for ideas.<\/li> <\/ul>
Costs:<\/strong> Installation costs match traditional gardens, but maintenance is almost free. <\/p>
4. Turn the Charm on with Rock Gardens <\/h2>
![\"Desert-style](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Rock-Garden-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Renee Grayson<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Turn dry, bland spaces into stunning drought-resistant landscapes with rocks and boulders.<\/p>
Rock gardens<\/a> look amazing year-round with barely any water. The secret? Balance rocks and plants to mimic natural mountain or desert landscapes. <\/p>
Check out the color play above \u2014 desert bluebells complement those grayish boulders, while the pink penstemons harmonize with the reddish rocks. It creates this magical, lush creek vibe with drought-tolerant trees and tons of color.<\/p>
Design tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Bury boulders a few inches deep for a natural look.<\/li>
- Use local stones \u2014 they\u2019re cheaper and blend better.<\/li> <\/ul>
Costs: <\/strong>Expect $460-$1,000<\/strong> for gravel, stones, and boulders in a 200-square-foot area. <\/p>
See Related:<\/strong><\/p>
- 16 Rock Garden Ideas to Create a Sense of Calm<\/a><\/li>
- How to Make a Rock Garden<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
5. Add Motion and Flow with Ornamental Grasses<\/h2>
![\"Naturalistic](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ornamental-Grass-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: JKehoe Photos<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Want to energize static landscapes? Try drought-tolerant ornamental grasses. <\/p>
They add gorgeous colors, textures, and gentle movement while handling both wet and dry conditions \u2014 perfect for bridging high-water areas and dry zones. <\/p>
Purple needle grass above beautifully frames this paver pathway, mixed with California poppies, sage, and deer grasses. Its arching shape works great for borders and mass planting. <\/p>
Tall ornamental grasses<\/a>, like pampas grass, make excellent privacy screens and focal points, too. Alternate with drought-tolerant shrubs<\/a> or flowering plants for variety and impact.<\/p>
Design tips: <\/strong><\/p>
- Plant in groups for visual impact.<\/li>
- Pair with broadleaf perennials for contrasting textures.<\/li> <\/ul>
Costs: $15-$50 <\/strong>per ornamental grass, depending on species and size<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong><\/p>
- 13 Types of Ornamental Grass for Your Landscape<\/a><\/li>
- How to Care for Ornamental Grass<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
6. Cut Water Use with Drought-Resistant Grass<\/h2>
![\"Lush](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Drought-Resistant-Grass-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Susan Harris<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Cut water use in half by ditching water-hungry turf for drought-resilient alternatives.<\/p>
Popular drought-tolerant grasses<\/a> include Bermudagrass<\/a>, Zoysia<\/a>, buffalograss<\/a>, and fescues. These grasses go dormant during droughts, surviving on just 1 inch of water every 2-4 weeks.<\/p>
Native grasses<\/a>, such as blue grama, prairie dropseed (pictured above), and little bluestem, work great, too. They won\u2019t handle heavy foot traffic or football games, but create lush yards with minimal watering.<\/p>
Design tips:<\/strong> Start by replacing turf with hardscapes or drought-tolerant perennials in dry, sunny areas, then expand.<\/p>
Costs:<\/strong> Grass removal costs<\/a> $0.88 to $1.84<\/strong> per square foot; seeding new grass costs<\/a> $0.09 to $0.15<\/strong> per square foot.<\/p>
7. Zero Water-Waste With Drip Irrigation<\/h2>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/drip-irrigation.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: NOWRA photography<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant roots, cutting waste from evaporation, wind, and runoff.<\/p>
But don\u2019t just set it and forget it \u2014 you\u2019re growing drought-tolerant plants, so avoid overwatering. <\/p>
Water young plants every 1-2 weeks during their first dry season, once monthly during their second year, and only during extended droughts after that.<\/p>
Design tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Install separate valves for different watering zones.<\/li>
- Hide pipes under mulch for a cleaner look.<\/li> <\/ul>
Costs:<\/strong> Installing a drip irrigation<\/a> system ranges from $310 to $815<\/strong> on average.<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong>A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Drip Irrigation Systems<\/a><\/p>
8. Keep Moisture In with Mulch<\/h2>
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/gravel-mulch-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: KM<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Here\u2019s your secret weapon for a successful drought-tolerant landscape: Mulch cuts watering needs by up to 40%, prevents erosion, improves water absorption, and protects roots from heat. <\/p>
Popular choices include hardwood chips, pea gravel, and rock chips. The grayish gravel above covers bare soil areas among rusty boulders, complementing water-savvy plants like aloe, Mexican snowball, and jade. <\/p>
Gravel and rock chips are durable and low-maintenance, perfect for desert and rock gardens. Shredded bark and wood chips, on the other hand, need yearly refreshing, but work better in lush, densely planted areas.<\/p>
Design tips:<\/strong><\/p>
- Choose local materials for natural looks and lower prices.<\/li>
- Choose mulch colors<\/a> that make accent plants pop.<\/li>
- Install edging to contain mulch.<\/li> <\/ul>
Costs: <\/strong>Mulch costs<\/a> $3.25-$6.50<\/strong> per bag and $34-$185<\/strong> per cubic yard.<\/p>
See Related:<\/strong><\/p>
- Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do You Need?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Mulch Your Yard: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
9. Avoid Bad Soil with Raised Beds<\/h2>
![\"Square](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Raised-Bed-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Peter Reason<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Why build raised beds in a water-wise landscape? They give you total control over soil \u2014 perfect for areas with compact clay soil that won\u2019t drain. <\/p>
Fill raised beds with loose, airy soil to grow thriving succulents and drought-tolerant flowering perennials in otherwise unsuitable spots. The mix above includes Nevada lewisia, Japanese poppy, and wallflower.<\/p>
Here\u2019s the catch: Raised beds lose water faster than in-ground plantings. Combat this by planting densely, covering bare dirt with mulch, and installing drip irrigation.<\/p>
Design tips: <\/strong><\/p>
- Mix different colors and textures.<\/li>
- Add trailing varieties near edges.<\/li> <\/ul>
Costs: <\/strong>Raised garden bed<\/a> kits cost, on average, $104 to $210<\/strong>.<\/p>
See Related:<\/strong> How to Build Your Own Raised Garden Beds<\/a><\/p>
10. Revive Small Areas with a Container Garden<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Container-Garden-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Akos Kokai <\/a>\/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Use containers to add color, layers, and style to small garden areas. <\/p>
Dark blue, spotted cream, and reddish terra cotta pots above transform a dry strip of yard into a vibrant show featuring sunset aloe and spiral aloe. <\/p>
Besides growing succulents, containers also work great for:<\/p>
- Water-loving plants you can\u2019t give up<\/li>
- Colorful drought-tolerant annuals like African daisy and marigolds<\/li>
- Tender perennials needing winter protection indoors<\/li> <\/ul>
Design tips: <\/strong>Match containers to your landscape theme, and choose the right size for each plant. <\/p>
Costs: <\/strong>Most outdoor containers range $10 to $30<\/strong>, with larger models $50+<\/strong>. Find cheaper options at garage sales, local manufacturers, and on Craigslist (for used items).<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong>How to Build Container Gardens<\/a><\/p>
11. Create Cozy Spaces with Hardscaping<\/h2>
![\"Backyard](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Hardscaping-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Field Outdoor Spaces<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Hardscapes provide the backbone of drought-tolerant landscapes \u2014 they offer year-round structure and need zero water.<\/p>
This backyard converted half its lawn into a paver patio with seating, plus drought-tolerant trees<\/a> for future shade.<\/p>
Which hardscape should you install? Think about how you use your yard:<\/p>
- Family meals or friend gatherings: seating area or fire pit <\/li>
- Yoga and meditation: gazebo or shaded patio<\/li>
- Evening walks: meandering pathways.<\/li> <\/ul>
Design tip:<\/strong> Keep it roughly 40% hardscape, 60% plants for that relaxing nature vibe.<\/p>
Costs:<\/strong> Patio prices<\/a> range from $400 to over $16,000<\/strong>; decks cost<\/a> $3,920 to $10,540<\/strong><\/p>
12. Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ground-Cover-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: F.D. Richards<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Ground covers spread naturally, shade the soil, and don\u2019t need replacing like organic mulch does. Plus, they add a lush, soft look to your yard.<\/p>
The young blue rug juniper above spreads to cover the soil in a drought-tolerant front yard. Growing 6-8 inches tall and 6-8 feet wide, this evergreen needs watering only during its first season and in extreme droughts. <\/p>
Other gorgeous drought-tolerant ground covers<\/a> include ice plant, creeping thyme, and desert marigold \u2014 perfect for inexpensive front yard drought-tolerant landscape ideas.<\/p>
Design tip:<\/strong> If you select flowering species, consider how bloom colors will complement your other plants.<\/p>
Costs: <\/strong>Blue rug juniper seedlings cost $8-$30<\/strong> each; you\u2019ll need 4-5 plants to cover 100 square feet, running $32 to $150<\/strong> total. <\/p>
FAQ<\/h2>
How Much Water Can I Save With Drought-Tolerant Landscaping?<\/strong>Drought-tolerant landscaping can reduce water use by 50%-75% compared to traditional landscaping.<\/p> <\/div>
How Much Maintenance Does Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Require?<\/strong>Drought-tolerant landscaping requires minimal maintenance, including occasional weeding, trimming, and mulch replacement. No regular watering needed once established.<\/p> <\/div>
Is Drought-Resistant Landscaping Expensive to Install?<\/strong>Initial costs vary, but long-term savings on water bills make it a cost-effective option.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Ready to Transform Your Yard?<\/h2>
Love these drought-tolerant landscaping ideas, but not sure where to start? We\u2019ve got you covered. LawnStarter\u2019s landscaping pros<\/a> handle everything from planning to planting and more. Get your free quote today and enjoy a gorgeous yard that gives you peace of mind.<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong><\/p>
- How to Mulch Your Yard: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Install edging to contain mulch.<\/li> <\/ul>
- How to Care for Ornamental Grass<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- 13 Types of Ornamental Grass for Your Landscape<\/a><\/li>
- How to Make a Rock Garden<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- 16 Rock Garden Ideas to Create a Sense of Calm<\/a><\/li>
- Select plants that can handle wet and dry spells \u2014 purple coneflower or switchgrass work great. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Design your rain garden<\/a> to be 20%-30% the size of the area it collects water from. <\/li>
- Succulent Garden<\/a><\/li>