Plan how you will use your property by conducting a property review. Your review should include decisions about structures and current plantings and a decision on where both old and new plantings will look and grow their best. For example, grass will not do well in a wet shady area. It would be best to plant some other type of vegetation there. Organize plants by putting them in groups according to: water requirements (low, medium or high), light levels, and soil texture.

Whether you are a homeowner in a new development and will be creating a new landscape from scratch, or a homeowner with a lawn and garden that is already well established, you can become more water-efficient by using the following tips. There are several questions you may need to ask yourself before you begin. Divide your space into activities What will you be using your property for? (example, children and/or pets playing, patio, barbeque etc.) Divide your space into energy use Do you need a very low maintenance landscape or do you want to spend time in your gardens?

Divide your landscape into exposure areas What portions of your property receive a lot of sun? What portions of your property receive a lot shade? Define slope Do you have any slopes to contend with? Grass rarely grows well on slopping areas-consider shrubs or perhaps a rock garden for these spaces. Define valleys Are there any low lying moist areas? Again, grass can pose a problem in these areas-consider planting water loving shrubs or perennials here instead of grass. Define soil type What kind of soil do you have? See "Soil Analysis".