Energy-Efficient Landscaping: Design Your Own Low-Water Garden

Efficiency, sustainability, and resilience—contemporary landscaping isn’t just about looks. There’s so much more to consider in modern times. Canadians across the country are facing rising utility costs and unpredictable weather. As a result, energy-efficient landscaping is becoming a practical solution for homeowners.

One of the best ways to adopt energy-efficient landscaping is through something called Reduced water use, lower energy bills, and peace of mind knowing you're supporting a healthier environment are all waiting on the other side of smart, energy-efficient landscaping. But how do we go about actually doing it?. Beautiful, thoughtfully planned gardens that require minimal irrigation and can survive in a variety of different climates. Never heard of and/or not sure how best to implement them? Shepherd’s Hardware is here to help!

Let’s Talk About Xeriscaping…

Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that reduces the need for irrigation through the use of smart planning techniques. It’s the foundation for any successful low-water garden—let’s explore what makes it so!

Planning & Design

Take first into account your region’s climate and how that affects water needs year-round. Your yard, then, is the next thing to consider: sun exposure, slopes, drainage…everything. Think about these things in advance before you put shovels in the ground. It’s bound to save you time and money later.

Appropriate Plant Selection and Zoning

Choose native and drought-tolerant plants that have a natural tolerance for your local conditions. Group them based on water needs to avoid overwatering, ensuring you provide just the right amount for each type of plant. 

Limited Turf Areas

Most people don’t realize it, but traditional lawns actually require huge amounts of water. There are alternatives available that require far less maintenance. Ground covers, gravel pathways, decorative stone features, or artificial turf can all significantly reduce the amount of water you need for maintenance. 

Improving Soil

If you add organic matter to your soil (such as compost), it can significantly improve its structure, helping it to absorb more water and retain it for longer. Well-aerated, nutrient-rich soil reduces runoff, allowing your plants to thrive with less water. 

Efficient Irrigation

Instead of global water application, low-water garden designs use drip irrigation systems and smart irrigation controllers. These deliver water directly to plant roots and adjust water schedules based on weather conditions, respectively.

Using Mulches

Mulch doesn’t just spruce up the aesthetic of your garden, it also helps to lock in moisture, regulate the soil temperature, and temper weed growth. If you use organic options, like bar or straw, they’ll actually break down over time to enrich the soil it covers.

Proper Maintenance

Even low-water gardens need care! But the good news? They need a whole lot less of it than your average setup. You’ll want to monitor it for pests, keep your plants manicured, and refresh the mulch when appropriate. 

Benefits Beyond Water Conservation

Saving water is fantastic, but what else can a low-water garden design offer you? Here are some of the other major benefits.

• Reduced energy consumption
  
  • Strategically placed trees and shrubs provide shade and natural cooling
  • Cuts down on AC use
  • Less energy = lower energy bills
• Lower maintenance
  
  • Less time mowing your lawn
  • Drought-tolerant plants require less watering
  • Fewer trims
• Environmental benefits
  
  • Native plants support pollinators and local wildlife
  • Helps restore natural ecosystems in residential areas
  • Contributes to biodiversity (while also cutting your water bill!)

Getting Started with Your Low-Water Garden

Ok—it’s time to put this plan into action. Shepherd’s Hardware has everything you need, from expert advice to landscaping tools to gardening materials and more. Here’s how to get started with your low-water garden design.

Assess Your Yard

You don’t want to buy a single plant without taking a good hard look at your yard. You’ll want to make note of which areas receive the most sun, which parts have the best soil, and which areas could be strategically improved through different plants, trees, and shrubs. Understanding these things will help you make the right choice when you come in to buy.

Choose the Right Plants

Drought-tolerant favourites, like the following, are going to be your best friend when it comes to this kind of project.

• Lavender
• Sedum (stonecrop)
• Russian sage
• Yarrow
• Echinacea (coneflower)
• Ornamental grasses like blue fescue or switchgrass

Shepherd’s Hardware can help you make an informed decision on which plant will be right for you and your yard.

Consider Hardscaping

Hardscaping offers you so many options. Gravel paths, flagstone patios, and permeable paver stones are all ways of reducing runoff and adding visual excitement to your low-water garden design. Low maintenance, long-lasting, and great for moderating water flow throughout the space.

Designing a low-water garden is more than a landscaping trend—it’s a smart, sustainable choice that benefits your wallet and the planet. Ready to get started? Visit Shepherd's Hardware for the tools, plants, landscaping materials, and irrigation supplies you need to build your low-water garden today!