If you live on the San Francisco Peninsula, you’ve likely felt the tension between wanting a beautiful yard and managing water use, maintenance, and rising costs. So how do you make the change to lawn free life?

One of the biggest misconceptions about xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscaping in the San Francisco Bay Area is that it requires no irrigation at all. The reality is more nuanced—and much more effective when done right.

Across the Bay Area, water agencies actively pay homeowners to remove lawns, install drought-tolerant gardens, and reduce water use. These programs are designed to support exactly what xeriscaping delivers: beautiful, low-water, sustainable landscapes.

You’ve probably heard terms like xeric landscaping, drought-tolerant plants, and water-wise gardens used interchangeably. What does it all really mean?

Rain is on the way! Does that mean you should switch off your irrigation today, or put away your hose? Not quite! Find out the answers to questions many people have about irrigation in winter.

It’s true that almost all plants - even those that are drought tolerant - need water to get them established. What’s the most sustainable way to achieve that?

Almost everyone is cheered up by the sight or sound of water in a garden. Many homeowners have fantasies that involve relaxing next to a beautiful koi pond listening to the calming flow of water and gurgling fountains or waterfalls.