Save water with California native plants

Because water conservation is the new normal

Today, 50 percent of California's residential water goes to landscape irrigation, but native gardening can change that. Native plants generally require 60 to 80 percent less water than traditional landscaping plants, making them the right choice for conscientious Californians everywhere.

Tips for a thriving low-water garden

Plan for rain

Make the most of your garden’s water by mimicking nature’s contours using the "watershed approach" to gardening. Creating swales, berms, and dry creeks lends visual interest and helps direct water where you need it.

Peruse the Garden Gallery for examples

Group plants by water needs

Place plants according to their watering needs (for example thirstier ferns in one area and drought tolerant sage in another). "Hydrozone" similar plants so they can rely on the same irrigation circuit, allowing certain irrigation zones to run while others remain dry. Another way to think about this is to group your plants by plant community, where riparian plants might require more water than chaparral.

Learn about site conditions

Water at the drip line

Apply water where the plant’s furthest leaves reach (the drip line), not by the stem or trunk. A bit of drought stress encourages broad and deep root development over time. The more extensive their root system, the healthier plants will be and the more likely your mature plants can handle the dry season with little or no artificial irrigation.

See examples of irrigation placement

Water deeply and less often

Generally, native plants need to be watered about once a week in their first year to get them established. From there, you can water less frequently but for longer time to encourage the roots to reach for water and reduce susceptibility to drought stress.

Watering native plants

How to garden during a drought

Removing your thirsty lawn, choosing plants suitable for your local climate, and watering appropriately ensures your garden thrives during periods of drought.

Learn more here

Best plants for drought

Native plants have evolved to thrive in California’s climate, which means many native plants are naturally drought-tolerant. Once established, these hardy native plants require very little water.

See low-water plants

Lawn to garden transformations

You don’t have to settle for rocks, cacti, and austere xeriscapes. See what’s possible with low-water native plants in the "Goodbye Lawn, Hello Garden" Garden Gallery.

Explore real-life transformations

Ready to lose the lawn?

Converting your lawn to a garden isn't hard. Here are the ways we recommend to do a thorough, high-quality transformation while saving money and having fun with your friends and neighbors!

Get started

More ways to save

Did you know that 50% of residential water use is allocated to outdoor irrigation? Often, this water is wasted on thirsty green lawns, but they are not the only culprits! A lot of water can be saved by applying best practices, monitoring your irrigation system, and nurturing a healthy garden.

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Gardening in a drought

Next: Adapt to climate change >