By Kelly Weston, Native Landscapes, a printable PDF version is available here.

The seven principles of Xeriscape

4. Zoning of plants
Different areas in your yard get different amounts of light, wind and moisture. To minimize water waste, group together plants with similar light and water requirements, and place them in an area in your yard which matches these requirements. A good rule of thumb is to put high water-use plantings in low-lying drainage areas, near downspouts, or in the shade of other plants. It is also helpful to put higher water-use plants where it is easy to water.

Dry, sunny areas or areas far from a hose are great places for the many low water-use plants that grow well in our climate. Planting a variety of plants with different heights, color and textures creates interest and beauty.

By grouping your plants appropriately, you minimize water waste while ensuring that your plants will flourish in the right environment.