16 Inspiring Drought-Friendly Gardening Tips

When trying to conserve water, gardeners may think sacrificing their hobby is necessary. Not so, Johanna and Lauren said. It's possible to still garden using these tactics, so give yourself permission to continue to tend your outdoor space.

It's worth thinking beyond grass, Johanna said, since lawns are "a thirsty, chemical-intensive feature of the landscape that doesn't really offer much."

Picking low-water plants is necessary to executing a garden like Sunset's. "It might take a little legwork," Johanna said. "But there are all sorts of phenomenal plants on the market now that need less water." The editors used special varieties, including a low-lying plant called Acacia Cognata, nicknamed "Cousin It," as well as Astelia Silver Shadow.

Instead of grass, consider gravel. The Sunset editors chose quartz pebbles, which are widely available.

The editors added visual intrigue by mixing in sculptural elements in the form of round planters made from a variety of materials. Lauren suggested looking "beyond pots of flowers that take a ton of water to add a real stylish element to your yard."

Use stacked stones to add height to your backyard and designate certain areas for plants.

Add flagstone or a flat stone to create pathways and mix things up visually. Sunset's editors used Belgard pavers.

Johanna and Lauren recommended looking into a DIY drip irrigation system or calling a professional to help make your existing setup more efficient.

Before starting, Sunset's editors suggested designating areas for specific activities. Their yard was planned to include space for an outdoor lounge, a dining area, and a walking space between the raised beds.

Don't forget that beautiful gardens are a collaborative effort between humans and the animals and insects involved in pollination. The editors installed a stone trough in their outdoor space for those pollinators. "Particularly in a time of drought or in a dry landscape," Lauren said, "providing that pool of water for bees, birds, butterflies is essential for helping pollinators and birds get through the drought as well."

In the absence of a lawn, the editors placed planters on the ground filled with drought-friendly plants to create an alternate green expanse.

Instead of putting mulch in planters, consider stones. Water will still get to plants' roots and won't be wasted on the way.

Sunset's editors suggested putting drought-friendly greenery in planters. It's worth getting creative with those planters by looking for items in different shapes, sizes, and heights.

Vertical gardens can make for beautiful accents in an outdoor space, especially when low-water plants are used.

Ask an expert at your local nursery or home-improvement store to find great low-water plants. Sunset's editors suggested the following: Agave attenuata, nicknamed Ray of Light; Festuca glauca, nicknamed Elijah Blue; Maireana sedifolia, also known as Pearl Bluebush; Pittosporum, nicknamed Crème de Menthe; Pittosporum Wheeler’s Dwarf or Silver Sheen; and boxwood.

Think about color when planning the backyard space. Lauren and Johanna added silver and blue-green elements to their yard to let the existing greenery shine through.