Contrary to misconceptions, Xeriscaping is not about sacrificing beauty for functionality. By incorporating diverse and drought-tolerant plants, Xeriscaping can create stunning, thriving, and low-maintenance landscapes that save you money and benefit the ecosystem.

Texas summers are notorious for their scorching temperatures and extended periods without rain. Non-native plants often struggle in these conditions, requiring excessive watering to prevent wilting, browning, or even death. In urban areas of Texas, about 25% of the water supply is used for landscape and garden watering, much of which is used to maintain high-water demanding landscapes, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. 

Choosing Texas native plants is a win-win-win. You get a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape, save money on your water bill, and actively contribute to the health of Texas's precious water resources.

Xeriscaping [zeer-i-skey-ping] is the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation, meaning they need little or no water beyond what nature provides, according to National Geographic. 

This is done by using native plants or plants local to your area. A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human introduction, according to the National Wildlife Federation. The U.S. Forest Service expands on that definition by adding that species native to North America are generally recognized as those occurring on the continent prior to European settlement.

Plants that are native to Texas can already withstand drought conditions, making them a perfect option for those who want to Xeriscape. Since they're naturally adapted to dry conditions, native Texas plants require minimal supplemental watering once established. This translates to significant water savings compared to non-native, water-thirsty plants. 

Water conservation isn't just about your yard. Texas is experiencing population growth and recurring droughts, putting a strain on water resources. By using native plants, you're not only saving yourself money by reducing your demand on the water supply, but you're helping preserve these resources for the entire community and state.

Not needing frequent watering also means less work for you.

The term "xeriscape landscaping" or Xeriscaping is a fairly new idea. The Water Department of Denver, Colorado is credited with the coinage, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. It was after an intense drought in 1980-1981 that, in response, Denver Water developed the concept of Xeriscaping, one of the first formal approaches to water-efficient landscape design, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Though the principles of Xeriscaping are not new, its seven principles combined into one effort toward landscape water conservation is what defines it. Those seven are: 

• planning and design, 
• soil analysis,
• practical turf areas,
• appropriate plant selection,
• efficient irrigation,
• use of mulches, and 
• appropriate maintenance.

Learn how to get started Xeriscaping your yard here.

Texas summers can be brutal on more tender vegetation, and you may find yourself using a lot of water just to keep some plants alive. Choosing Texas native plants for your landscape will not only save you money on your water bill, but also significantly contribute to water conservation efforts in our state.