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WLandscaping:
ater-Efficient

Preventing
Pollution &
Using Resources
Wisely
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Contents
What is Water-efficient Landscaping?
1

Why Use Water-efficient Landscaping?

3

How is Water-efficient Landscaping Applied?

4

Water-efficient Landscape Irrigation Methods

6

Examples of Successful Water-efficient Landscaping Projects

10

For More Information

13

Resources
14

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iv Water-Efficient Landscaping
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What is protect the environment are, in fact, easily

achieved by employing water-efficient landscap­

Water-efficient ing. Water-efficient landscaping produces

attractive landscapes because it utilizes designs

Landscaping? and plants suited to local conditions.

This booklet describes the benefits of water-
ater, many agree, is our most pre­ efficient landscaping. It includes several exam­

W cious natural resource; without it,

life ceases. Yet judging by our water
use and consumption practices, many of us in
ples of successful projects and programs, as well
as contacts, references, and a short bibliography.
For specific information about how to best apply
water-efficient landscaping principles to your
the United States seem to take it for granted. A
typical household uses approximately 260 gal­ geographical area, consult with your county
lons of water per day. “Water conscious” indi­
viduals often install high-efficiency shower
heads and toilets and wash only full loads of
clothes and dishes to reduce consumption. But
in the summer, the amount of water used out­
doors by a household can exceed the amount
used for all other purposes in the entire year.
This is especially true in hot, dry climates.
Gardening and lawn care account for the
majority of this seasonal increase, but other out­
door activities, such as washing cars and filling
swimming pools, also contribute. According to
the U.S. Geological Survey, of the 26 billion
gallons of water consumed daily in the United
States1, approximately 7.8 billion gallons, or 30
percent2, is devoted to outdoor uses. The
majority of this is used for landscaping. In fact,
it is estimated that the typical suburban lawn
consumes 10,000 gallons of water above and Xeriscape garden at Denver Water
beyond rainwater each year (Vickers, p 140).
Many mistakenly believe that stunning gar­ extension service and local garden and nursery
dens and beautiful lawns are only possible centers. Local governments and water utilities
through extensive watering, fertilization, and also possess a wealth of information and sugges­
pesticide application. As this booklet will tions for using water more efficiently in all
demonstrate, eye-catching gardens and land­ aspects of your life, including landscaping.
scapes that save water, prevent pollution, and

1 W.B. Solley, R.R. Pierce, and H.A. Perlman. 1998. Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 1995 (USGS Circular 1200).
USGS. Reston, VA. p.27.
2 Amy Vickers. 2001. Handbook of Water Use and Conservation. WaterPlow Press. Amherst, MA. p. 140.

Water-Efficient Landscaping 1
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Denver Water Department in 1981 to help

make water conserving landscaping an easily
recognized concept. The word is a combination
of the Greek word “xeros,” which means “dry,”
and “landscape.”
The seven principles upon which Xeriscape
landscaping is based are:
• Proper planning and design
• Soil analysis and improvement
• Appropriate plant selection
• Practical turf areas
• Efficient irrigation
• Use of mulches
• Appropriate maintenance
The eight fundamentals of water-wise land­
scaping, below, illustrate the similarities in the
underlaying concepts and principles of Xeriscape
landscaping and other water-efficient approaches.
• Group plants according to their water
Xeriscaped front yard in Colorado Springs
needs.
• Use native and low-water-use plants.
Many terms and schools of thought have
been used to describe approaches to water-effi- • Limit turf areas to those needed for
cient landscaping. Some examples include practical uses.
“water-wise,” “water-smart,” “low-water,” and • Use efficient irrigation systems.
“natural landscaping.” While each of these • Schedule irrigation wisely.
terms varies in philosophy and approach, they • Make sure soil is healthy.
are all based on the same principles and are
• Remember to mulch.
commonly used interchangeably. One of the
first conceptual approaches developed to • Provide regular maintenance.
formalize these principles is known as In short, plan and maintain your landscape
“Xeriscape3 landscaping.” Xeriscape landscaping with these principles of water efficiency in mind
is defined as “quality landscaping that conserves and it will continue to conserve water and be
water and protects the environment.” The word attractive.
“Xeriscape” was coined and copyrighted by

3 Denver Water welcomes the use of the term Xeriscape in books, articles, and speeches promoting water conserving landscape.
EPA is using this term with permission from Denver Water. For permission to use “Xeriscape” in your publications, call Denver
Water at 303 628-6330.

2 Water-Efficient Landscaping
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Why Use Water-efficient

Landscaping?
roper landscaping techniques not only • Reduced runoff of stormwater and irriga­

P create beautiful landscapes, but also ben-

efit the environment and save water. In
addition, attractive, water-efficient, low-mainte-
tion water that carries top soils, fertiliz­
ers, and pesticides into lakes, rivers, and
streams.
nance landscapes can increase home values. • Fewer yard trimmings to be managed or
Water-efficient landscaping offers many eco- landfilled.
nomic and environmental benefits, including:
• Reduced landscaping labor and mainte­
• Lower water bills from reduced water use. nance costs.
• Conservation of natural resources and
• Extended life for water resources infra­
preservation of habitat for plants and
structure (e.g., reservoirs, treatment
wildlife such as fish and waterfowl.
plants, groundwater aquifers), thus
• Decreased energy use (and air pollution reduced taxpayer costs.

associated with its generation) because

less pumping and treatment of water is

required.

• Reduced home or office heating and

cooling costs through the careful place­

ment of trees and plants.

Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis) is the

background for New Mexico Evening
Primrose (Oenothera berlandieri 'siskiyou')

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How is Water-efficient

Landscaping Applied?

andscaping that conserves water and pro­ water-efficient landscapes and allow you to con­

L tects the environment is not limited to

arid landscapes with only rocks and cacti.
Through careful plan­
tinually improve your landscape over time.

Soil analysis and

ning, landscapes can improvements
be designed to be both Because soils vary from site to site, test your
pleasing to the senses soil before beginning your landscape improve­
and kind to the envi­ ments. Your county extension service can ana­
ronment. One simple lyze the pH levels; nutrient levels (e.g.,
approach to achieving nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium); and the
this is applying and sand, silt, clay, and organic matter content of
adopting the basic your soil. It can also suggest ways to improve
principles of water- your soil’s ability to support plants and retain
efficient landscaping water (e.g., through aeration or the addition of
to suit your climatic soil amendments or fertilizers).
region. The seven
principles of Xeriscape Appropriate plant selection
landscaping are used Your landscape design should take into account
below to describe your local climate as well as soil conditions.
these basic concepts in Focus on preserving as many existing trees and
greater detail. shrubs as possible because established plants usu­
ally require less water and maintenance. Choose
Proper plants native to your region. Native plants, once
planning and established, require very little to no additional
design water beyond normal rainfall. Also, because
Developing a land­ they are adapted to local soils and climatic con­
scape plan is the first ditions, native plants commonly do not require
and most important the addition of fertilizers and are more resistant
Dragon’s Blood Sedum
step in creating a to pests and disease.
(Sedum spurium) under
Honeylocust Trees (Gleditsia water-efficient land­ When selecting plants, avoid those labeled
triaconthos)
scape. Your plan “hard to establish,” “susceptible to disease,” or
should take into account the regional and micro­ “needs frequent attention,” as these types of
climatic conditions of the site, existing vegeta­ plants frequently require large amounts of sup­
tion, topography, intended uses of the property, plemental water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Be
and most importantly, the grouping of plants by careful when selecting non-indigenous species as
their water needs. Also consider the plants’ sun some of them may become invasive. An inva­
or shade requirements and preferred soil condi­ sive plant might be a water guzzler and will
tions. A well-thought-out landscape plan can surely choke out native species. Your state or
serve as your roadmap in creating beautiful, county extension service or local nursery can
help you select appropriate plants for your area.

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The key to successful planting and trans­

planting is getting the roots to grow into the
surrounding soil as quickly as possible. Knowing
when and where to plant is crucial to speeding
the establishment of new plants. The best time
to plant will vary from species to species. Some
plants will thrive when planted in a dormant or
inactive state. Others succeed when planted
during the season when root generation is high­
est and sufficient moisture is available to support
new growth (generally, spring is the best season,
but check plant tags or consult with your local
Wine Cup (Callirhoe involucrata) and Sunset Hyssop
nursery for specific species).
(Agastache rupestris) in the Denver Water Xeriscape Garden

Practical turf areas

How and where turf is placed in the landscape gravel, or shredded landscape clippings. Avoid
can significantly reduce the amount of irrigation using rock mulches in sunny areas or around
water needed to support the landscape. Lawns non-arid climate plants, as they radiate large
require a large amount of supplemental water amounts of heat and promote water loss that
and generally greater maintenance than other can lead to scorching. Too much mulch can
vegetation. Use turf where it aesthetically high­ restrict water flow to plant roots and should be
lights the house or buildings and where it has avoided.
practical function, such as in play or recreation
areas. Grouping turf areas can increase watering Appropriate maintenance
efficiency and significantly reduce evaporative Water and fertilize plants only as needed. Too
and runoff losses. Select a type of grass that can much water promotes weak growth and increases
withstand drought periods and become dormant pruning and mowing requirements. Like any
during hot, dry seasons. Reducing or eliminating landscape, a water-efficient yard will require reg­
turf areas altogether further reduces water use. ular pruning, weeding, fertilization, pest control,
and irrigation. As your water-efficient landscape
Efficient irrigation matures, however, it will require less mainte­
Efficient irrigation is a very important part of nance and less water. Cutting turf grass only
using water efficiently outdoors, and applies in when it reaches two to three inches promotes
any landscape—whether Xeriscape or deeper root growth and a more drought-resistant
conventional. For this reason, an entire section lawn. As a rule of thumb, mow your turf grass
of this booklet addresses efficient irrigation; it before it requires more than one inch to be
can be found on page 6. removed. The proper cutting height varies, how­
ever, with the type of grass, so you should con­
Use of mulches tact your county extension service or local
Mulches aid in greater retention of water by nursery to find out the ideal cutting height for
minimizing evaporation, reducing weed growth, your lawn. Avoid shearing plants or giving them
moderating soil temperatures, and preventing high nitrogen fertilizers during dry periods
erosion. Organic mulches also improve the con­ because these practices encourage water-demand-
dition of your soil as they decompose. Mulches ing new growth.
are typically composed of wood bark chips,
wood grindings, pine straws, nut shells, small

Water-Efficient Landscaping 5
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Water-efficient Landscape
Irrigation Methods
ith common watering practices, a type, the condition of your plants, the season,

W large portion of the water applied to

lawns and gardens is not absorbed by
the plants. It is lost through evaporation, runoff,
and weather conditions—rather than on a fixed
schedule—significantly increases your watering
efficiency. Grouping plants according to similar
or being pushed beyond the root zone because it water needs also makes watering easier and more
is applied too quickly or in excess of the plants’ efficient.
needs. The goal of efficient irrigation is to Irrigating lawns, gardens, and landscapes
reduce these losses by applying only as much can be accomplished either manually or with an
water as is needed to keep your plants healthy. automatic irrigation system. Manual watering
This goal is applicable whether you have a with a hand-held hose tends to be the most
Xeriscape or a conventional landscape. water-efficient method. According to the
To promote the strong root growth that sup­ AWWA Research Foundation’s outdoor end use
ports a plant during drought, water deeply and study, households that manually water with a
only when the plant needs water. For clay soils, hose typically use 33 percent less water outdoors
watering less deeply and more often is recom­ than the average household. The study also
mended. Irrigating with consideration to soil showed that households with in-ground sprin­
kler systems used 35 percent more water, those
with automatic timers used 47 percent more
water, and those with drip irrigation systems
used 16 percent more water than households
without these types of systems. These results
show that in-ground sprinkler and drip irrigation
systems must be operated properly to be water-
efficient.
You can use a hand-held hose or a sprinkler
for manual irrigation. To reduce water losses
from evaporation and wind, avoid sprinklers
that produce a fine mist or spray high into the
air. Soaker hoses can also be very efficient and
effective when used properly. Use a hand-held
soil moisture probe to determine when irrigation
is needed.
To make automatic irrigation systems more
efficient, install system controllers such as rain
sensors that prevent sprinkler systems from turn­
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum “Rubrum”) and
ing on during and immediately after rainfall, or
Marigolds (Calendula officinalis) in planter bed soil moisture sensors that activate sprinklers
only when soil moisture levels drop below pre-
programmed levels. You can also use a weather-

6 Water-Efficient Landscaping
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driven programming system. Drip-type irrigation

systems are considered the most efficient of the
automated irrigation methods because they
deliver water directly to the plants’ roots. It is
also important to revise your watering schedule
as the seasons change. Over-watering is most
common during the fall when summer irrigation
schedules have not been adjusted to the cooler
temperatures.
To further reduce your water consumption,
consider using alternative sources of irrigation
water, such as gray water, reclaimed water, and
collected rainwater. According to the AWWA
Research Foundation, homes with access to
alternative sources of irrigation reduce their
water bills by as much as 25 percent.4 Graywater
is untreated household waste water from bath­
room sinks, showers, bathtubs, and clothes
washing machines. Graywater systems pipe this Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber)
used water to a storage tank for later outdoor
watering use. State and local graywater laws and barrel is an easy, low-cost approach. When col­
policies vary, so you should investigate what lecting rainwater, cover all collection vessels to
qualifies as gray water and if any limitations or prevent animals and children from entering and
restrictions apply. Reclaimed water is waste to prevent mosquito breeding. Some states
water that has been treated to levels suitable for might have laws which do not allow collection
nonpotable uses. Check with local water offi­ of rainwater, so be sure to check with your
cials to determine if it is available in your area. state’s water resource agency before implement­
Collected rainwater is rainwater collected in cis­ ing a rainwater collection system.
terns, barrels, or storage tanks. Commercial
rooftop collection systems are available, but sim­
ply diverting your downspout into a covered

4 AWWA Research Foundation. 1999. Residential End Uses of Water. <www.waterwiser.org>

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Non-xeriscaping

Non-native plants:
do not include drought-tolerant species.

Large lawn:
requires supplemental watering

Small deck

Concrete walkway

House

8 Water-Efficient Landscaping
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Xeriscaping

Perennials and
ornamental grasses

Compost bin

Vegetable garden:
uses drip irrigation

Small lawn Shade arbor

Shade
tree

Mulched
walkway
Larger deck
Ground
cover

House

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Examples of Successful Water-

efficient Landscaping Projects

ater-efficient landscaping techniques and money. The showcase yard (selected from

W can be used by individuals, compa­

nies, state, tribal, and local govern­
ments, and businesses to physically enhance their
70 applicants) had a history of heavy water
use—more than 90,000 gallons per month.
After the retrofit, the yard’s aesthetic value
properties, reduce long-term maintenance costs, was enhanced; plus it now uses 75 percent less
and create environmentally conscious landscapes. water and relies on yard trimmings for mulch
The following examples illustrate how water-effi- and compost.
cient landscapes can be used in various situations. • The Southwest Florida Water Management
District (SWFWMD), the City of St. Peters­
burg, and Pinellas County, Florida, produced a
video called “Xeriscape It!” It shows a land­
scape being installed using the seven Xeriscape
principles. The SWFWMD also funded several
Xeriscape demonstration sites and maintains a
Xeriscape demonstration garden at its
Brooksville, Florida, headquarters. The garden
features a variety of native and non-native
plants and is available for public viewing,
along with a landscape plant identification
guide.
• Residents of Glendale, Arizona, can receive a
$100 cash rebate for installing or converting
more than half of their landscapable area to
non-grass vegetation. The Glendale Water
Conservation Office conducts an inspection
of the converted lawn to ensure compliance
with rebate requirements and then issues a
Oriental Poppies (Paparer orientale) rebate check to the homeowner. The purpose
of the Landscape Rebate Program is to perma­
nently reduce the amount of water used to
Homeowner–public/private irrigate grass throughout Glendale.
partnership
• The South Florida Water Management Dis­ State government
trict, the Florida Nurserymen and Growers • Although perceived as a water-rich state,
Association, the Florida Irrigation Society, and Florida became the first to enact a statewide
local businesses worked together to produce a Xeriscape law. Florida’s legislature recognized
television video called “Plant It Smart with that its growing population and vulnerable
Xeriscape.” The video shows how a typical environment necessitated legal safeguards for
Florida residential yard can be retrofitted with its water resources. The Xeriscape law requires
Xeriscape landscaping to save energy, time, Florida’s Departments of Management Ser-

10 Water-Efficient Landscaping
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vices and Transportation to use Xeriscape

landscaping on all new public properties and
to develop a 5-year program to phase in
Xeriscape on properties constructed before
July 1992. All local governments must also
consider requiring the use of Xeriscape and
offering incentives to install Xeriscaping.
• Texas also developed legislation requiring
Xeriscape landscaping on new construction
projects on state property beginning on or
after January 1994. Additional legislation,
enacted in 1995, requires the Department of
Transportation to use Xeriscape practices in
the construction and maintenance of roadside
parks. All municipalities may consider enact­
ing ordinances requiring Xeriscape to con­
serve water.
Yellow Ice Plant (Delosperma nubigenum) close-up
City government
In Las Vegas, Nevada, homeowners can receive
up to $1,000 for converting their lawn to Developers
Xeriscape, while commercial landowners can Howard Hughes Properties (HHP), a developer
receive up to a $50,000 credit on their water and manager of more than 25,000 acres of resi­
bill. The city and several other surrounding dential, commercial, and office development
communities hope these eye-catching figures property, has enthusiastically used drought toler­
will help Las Vegas meet its goal of saving 25 ant landscaping on all of its properties since
percent of the water it would otherwise have 1990. Most of the company’s properties are
used by the year 2010; to date, it has saved 17 located in Las Vegas, one of the country’s fastest
percent. Local officials plan to reach the target growing metropolitan areas. To conserve
with the assistance of incentive programs resources, the city and county have implement­
encouraging Xeriscape, a city ordinance limiting ed regulations requiring developers to employ
turf to no more than 50 percent of new land­ certain Xeriscape principles in new projects.
scapes, grassroots information programs, and a Specifically, a limited percentage of grass can be
landscape awards program specifically for used on projects, and it must be kept away from
Xeriscaped properties. Preliminary results of a streets. As the area’s first large-scale developer
five-year study show that residents who convert­ to recognize the need and value in incorporating
ed a portion of their lawns to Xeriscape reduced drought tolerant landscaping in parks,
total water consumption by an average of 33 streetscapes, and open spaces, HHP uses native
percent. The xeric vegetation required less than and desert-adaptive plants that survive and
a quarter of the water typically used and one- thrive in the Las Vegas climate with minimal to
third the maintenance (both in labor and moderate amounts of water.
expenditures) compared to traditional turf.

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Drip system irrigation controllers are linked rial management, and non-point source pollution
to weather stations that monitor the evapotran­ prevention goals into one program—the Land­
spiration rate. This allows HHP to determine the scape Performance Certification Program. This
correct amount of water to be applied to plants program emphasizes efficient landscape irrigation
at any given time. HHP tests the irrigation sys­ and features a “landscape irrigation budget” based
tems regularly and adds appropriate soil amend­ on a property’s landscape area, type, and the daily
ments to promote healthy plant growth. The weather. The Municipal Water District monitors
maintenance program also includes pest manage­ actual water use through a system of 12,000 dedi­
ment, the use of mulching mowers, and the use cated water meters installed by participating
of rock mulch top dressing on all non-turf plant­ landscape managers.
ing areas. These measures combine to ensure a Participants, including landscapers, property
beautiful, healthy, and responsible landscape. managers, and homeowner associations, can
compare the actual cost of water used on their
Public/private partnerships property with the calculated budget. Those stay­
Even the most water-conscious homeowners in ing within budget are awarded certification, a
Southern California are over-watering by 50 to proven marketing tool. This new voluntary pro­
70 gallons per day. The gram is implemented by the Municipal Water
excess water washes away District with input from the California Land­
fertilizers and pesticides, scape Contractors’ Association, the Orange
which pollute natural County Integrated Management Department,
waterways. The quantity the Metropolitan Water District of Southern
of water wasted (and the California, and local nurseries and has the sup­
dollars that pay for it) are port of 32 retailing water suppliers. The program
even more substantial for is already credited with increasing the use of
large-scale commercial arid-climate shrubs and landscaping to accom­
properties and develop­ modate drip irrigation, and has resulted in cost
ments. savings to water customers.
An innovative part­
nership in Orange County
links landscape water
management, green mate-

Miscanthus sinensis
(Miscanthus grass, also called

Maiden grass) variety with

leaves turning yellow for fall.

12 Water-Efficient Landscaping
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For More Information

T
he following list of organizations can provide more information on water-efficient landscaping.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, rather it is intended to help you locate local infor­

mation sources and possible technical assistance.

Water Management Districts or Utilities

Your local water management district often can provide information on water conservation, including

water efficient landscaping practices. Your city, town, or county water management district can be

found in the Blue Pages section of your local phone book or through your city, town, or county’s

Web site if it has one. If you do not know your city, town, or county’s Web site, check for a link on Turkish Speedwell (Veronica

your state’s Web site. URLs for state Web sites typically follow this format: <www.state.(two letter liwanensis) in background

state abbreviation).us>. and tulips in foreground.

State/County Extension Services

Your state or county extension service is also an excellent source of information. Many extension services provide free pub­

lications and advice on home landscaping issues including tips on plant selection and soil improvement. Some also offer a

soil analysis service for a nominal fee. Your county extension service can be found in the Blue Pages section of your local

phone book under the county government section or through your county’s Web site if it has one. The U.S. Department

of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (www.reeusda.gov/statepartners/usa.htm)

provides an online directory of land-grant universities which can help you locate your state extension service. Government

Guide (www.governmentguide.com) is yet another online resource that might prove helpful in locating state or local

agencies.

Organizations
The following is a partial list of organizations located across the United States that provide helpful information on water-effi-

cient landscaping.

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

E-mail: jane.earle@denverwater.org
6666 West Quincy Avenue
Web: <www.water.denver.co.gov/
Denver, CO 80235
conservation/conservframe.html>
Telephone: 303 794-7711 New Mexico Water Conservation Program/Water
and Conservation Clearinghouse
1401 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 640 P. O. Box 25102

Washington, DC 20005 Santa Fe, NM 87504

Telephone: 202 628-8303 Phone: 800 WATER-NM

Web: <www.awwa.org> E-mail: waternm@ose.state.nm.us

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association
Fax: 505 827-3813
(AMWUA)
Web: <www.ose.state.nm.us/water-info/
Web: <www.amwua.org/program-xeriscape.htm>
conservation/index.html>
BASIN Project WET - Water Education for Teachers
City of Boulder Environmental Affairs 201 Culbertson Hall
P.O. Box 791 Montana State University
Boulder, CO 80306
Bozeman, MT 59717
Phone: 303 441-1964
Phone: 406 994-5392
E-mail: basin@bcn.boulder.co. us
Web: <www.montana.edu/wwwwet>
Web: <bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/local/seven.html>
Rocky Mountain Institute
Denver Water 1739 Snowmass Creek Road

1600 West 12th Avenue Snowmass, CO 81654-9199

Denver, CO 80204 Phone: 970 927-3851

Phone: 303 628-6000 Web: <www.rmi.org>

Fax: 303 628-6199

TDDY: 303 534-4116

Office of Water Conservation hotline:

303 628-6343

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Southern Nevada Water Authority E-mail: info@thegarden.org

1001 S. Valley View Boulevard, Mailstop #440 Web: <www.thegarden.org/garden/xeriscape/

Las Vegas, NV 89153 index.html> and <www.sdcwa.org/manage/

Phone: 702 258-3930 conservation-xeriscape.phtml>\

Web: <www.snwa.com>
WaterWiser: The Water Efficiency Clearing House
Southwest Florida Water Management District
(Operated by AWWA in cooperation with the U.S.
2379 Broad Street

Bureau of Reclamation)
Brooksville, FL 34604-6899

6666 West Quincy Avenue

Phone: 352 796-7211 or 800 423-1476 (Florida only)

Denver, CO 80235
Web: <www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/watercon/

Phone: 800 559-9855

xeris/swfxeris.html>

Fax: 303 794-6303

Sustainable Sources Green Building Program: Sustain­ E-mail: bewiser@waterwiser.org
able Building Source Book Web: <www.waterwiser.org>
E-mail: info@greenbuilder.com

Xeriscape Colorado!, Inc.

Web: <www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/

P.O. Box 40202

xeriscape.html>

Denver, CO 80204-0202
Water Conservation Garden – San Diego County Web: <www.xeriscape.org>
12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West
El Cajon, CA 92019
Phone: 619 660-0614
Fax: 619 660-1687

Resources

he following is a partial list of publications Johnson, Eric and Scott Millard. The Low-Water Flower

T on resource efficient landscaping. For even

more information, particularly on plants
suited to your locale, consult your local library,
Gardener: 270 Unthirsty Plants for Color, Including
Perennials, Ground Covers, Grasses & Shrubs. Tuc­
son: Ironwood Press, 1993.
Knopf, James M. The Xeriscape Flower Gardener. Boul­
county extension service, nursery, garden clubs, or
der: Johnson Books, 1991.
water utility.
Knopf, James M., ed. Waterwise Landscaping with Trees,
Ball, Ken and American Water Works Association Shrubs, and Vines: A Xeriscape Guide for the Rocky
Water Conservation Committee. Xeriscape Pro­ Mountain Region, California, and the Desert South­
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Acknowledgments

Technical advice provided by Alice Darilek, Elizabeth Gardener, and David Winger.

Cover photograph from Tom Brahl Photography.

Interior photographs have been provided courtesy of Denver Water and David Winger.

Illustrations by Linda Cook.

For copies of this publication contact:

EPA Water Resources Center (RC-4100)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

Washington, DC 20460

For more information regarding water efficiency, please contact:

Water Efficiency Program (4204M)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20460
<www.epa.gov/OWM/water-efficiency/index.htm>

Water-Efficient Landscaping 15
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Environmental Protection Agency (4204M)
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Official Business
10/8/2002

Penalty for Private Use $300

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2 Printed on paper that contains at least 50 percent postconsumer fiber.