Residential Landscape
Did you know that up to 70% of a typical household’s water use goes toward irrigating landscaping—of thirsty lawns? You can significantly reduce water use and maintenance by replacing traditional turf with a beautiful, drought-tolerant native garden.
Create a Water-Wise Landscape
California's climate demands smart landscaping choices. Here are some tips to help you transition:
- Go native. Choose California-friendly or native plants that thrive with minimal water and support local biodiversity.
- Design for drought. Plan your irrigation system with dry years in mind. Group plants with similar water needs and consider using mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Zone your irrigation. Place trees and shrubs on a separate irrigation zone from lawns or seasonal plants. Use low-flow emitters or bubblers for deep watering of roots. This setup allows you to easily shut off irrigation to grass and shallow-rooted plants during droughts or watering restrictions.
Drought-Resilient Alternatives
There are many attractive, drought-tolerant landscaping options available, including California native plants and groundcovers, that use significantly less water than traditional turf. These options support local ecosystems and reduce long-term maintenance.
For inspiration, visit:
- Heritage Park Pollinator Garden – 602 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
- Demonstration Garden – Between Thousand Oaks Library and Goebel Senior Center, 1385 E Janss Road
Ventura County Master Gardeners
Plan Your Garden
California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
Theodore Payne Foundation
Upcoming Classes and Information