Drought tolerant and low water use gardens are our future. With less rainfall, more water restrictions and high temperatures we can no longer be in denial that our garden scapes must change.

However that doesn’t mean we can’t have beautiful, lush, low water gardens. We can get rid of our lawns and substitute non thirsty ground covers that satisfy our needs for a grassy spot for kids and dogs.

Our climate is very similar to Australia’s climate so you may be surprised to know there a very beautiful Australian Native plants that thrive in our low water environment. A few plants that you may or may not be familiar with:

Grevilleas, bloom almost all year, low water, attractive especially to hummingbirds
Anigozanthos, aka Kangaroo Paws
Alyogyne huegelii, aka Blue Hibiscus
Lomandra, a beautiful, breezy grass
Myoporum parvifolium, outstanding groundcover for slopes
Acacia, my personal favorite in this family is the A. cognata ‘Cousin Itt’

And many more. Also South African Natives thrive in our climate in addition to our own California Natives.

Grass substitutes are getting better and better. Some examples are Kurapia, Carex pansa, White Cover and Buffalo Grass to name a few.

So don’t despair, adjust. Rethink your garden and make small (or large) adjustments. You might be pleasantly surprised how great everything looks all year long. 🌻