Incorporate the 7 principles of Xeriscape into your landscape: (1) Start with a plan for your landscape. REDUCE TURF AREAS, take into account existing vegetation, group plants with similar water needs together.(2) Analyze and improve your soil. Add compost and peat moss to improve water infiltration and retention and improve root development.(3) Use plants with low water needs. Additional information on drought tolerant plants is available at your County Cooperative Extension Office.(4) Reduce turf areas and select the type of grass best suited to the light, soil and your plan for watering. (5) Water or irrigate efficiently. Manage your watering according to the conditions and needs of the plants rather than according to a fixed schedule. (6) Use mulch to reduce weeds, retain moisture and reduce erosion. (7) Maintain your landscape with proper pruning, weeding, appropriate fertilizers and watering. Check out our outdoor water savers.