Florida Waterwise Landscapes - Alliance for Water Efficiency

A Landscape Example
1. Our drought-tolerant zone next to the driveway
has mulch and low-water shrubs instead of grass.
This zone continues along the length of the house
and eliminates watering, mowing and edging chores
in low-use areas. Notice how the shrubs serve as a
buffer to our northern neighbor and as camouflage
for the storage area.
2. Our turf area in the backyard is located in the
landscape’s lowest spot, which is where there is
plenty of naturally occurring moisture. Alternatives
to grass include mulched walkways, a deck or a
screened patio. These additions don’t need water
and reduce landscape maintenance chores.
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3. More drought-tolerant groundcovers and shrubs
hug the back of our practical turf area. These plants
give privacy to our patio and deck while providing
shade, and they are water-efficient.
4. Native vegetation, including drought-tolerant
shrubbery, is used in the side yard. This further
reduces watering and maintenance.
5. Our practical turf area in the front yard, like that
in the back, is round in shape to reduce its perimeter,
making it easier to irrigate and maintain. Long,
narrow strips of grass are hard to irrigate efficiently.
A brick walkway, border grass and a mulched flower
bed further reduce watering and edging chores and
add colorful accents.