Xeriscaping, or dry landscaping, is a technique that uses a combination of drought tolerant plants to minimize or eliminate the need for watering. Xeriscaping can include a combination of drought tolerant grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees to create a more sustainable landscape. When considering a xeriscape, it is important to utilize plants that are native to the area and are appropriate for your soil type.
For smaller areas of ground, and those with changing elevations over short distances, there is another type of landscaping that offers many benefits, known as hardscaping. Hardscaping involves the use of gravel, small rocks, pervious pavers and porous concrete to create a usable, available surface that allows water infiltration to the soil below.