Breaking Up with Water-Hungry Lawns

I’ll admit it – I used to have a love affair with my lush, green St. Augustine grass lawn. That is, until I realized how much water it was guzzling down, especially during the hot, dry summers. It was time to part ways.

As a novice gardener, the prospect of converting my thirsty turf into a drought-tolerant oasis seemed daunting at first. But after rolling up my sleeves and getting my hands dirty, I can now confidently say – it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my garden.

The process of removing the established grass wasn’t as difficult as I had imagined. I opted for the good old-fashioned garden spade method, as my lawn area was relatively small. Following the expert advice on the Garden Styles San Antonio website, I was able to neatly scoop up the St. Augustine grass and its roots, leaving a clean slate to work with.

With the lawn out of the way, I got to have some fun. It was time to choose the plants that would make up my new drought-tolerant oasis. But before I went plant shopping, I made sure to assess the conditions of my garden bed – the amount of sun, the soil type, and any potential microclimates. This helped me select the perfect low-water plants that would thrive in my particular garden setting.

Choosing Drought-Tolerant Plants

When it comes to building a gorgeous, water-wise garden, the plant selection is key. I wanted to create a lush, inviting landscape, but without the high water demands of traditional ornamental plants. After some research, I discovered a whole new world of drought-tolerant beauties that would quench my thirst for color and texture, while sipping water sparingly.

One of my favorite finds was the blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens). As described in the North Coast Gardening article, these mat-forming succulents with their silvery-blue foliage create the illusion of a shimmering pool of water. I planted them along the edge of my new garden bed, and they’ve become a mesmerizing focal point.

To complement the cool tones of the chalksticks, I also incorporated some vibrant pops of color with echeverias and aeoniums. These succulents not only add visual interest, but their unique, sculptural forms evoke a sense of underwater gardens and coral reefs. I even included a ‘Dinner Plate’ aeonium to anchor the center of my DIY “water lily” container, complete with blue-tinted glass mulch.

Designing for Drama and Function

While aesthetics were important, I also needed to ensure my new drought-tolerant garden was designed for optimal function and long-term sustainability. After all, what’s the point of having a gorgeous landscape if it’s a water-guzzling maintenance nightmare?

Taking a cue from the City of San Diego’s water-wise gardening guide, I incorporated plenty of mulch to retain moisture, and arranged my plants in layers to create visual interest and minimize bare soil. I also paid close attention to the mature sizes of each plant, positioning them with enough room to spread out without crowding.

But the real game-changer was adding pumice to my soil mix. I had read about its benefits for succulents and other drought-tolerant plants on North Coast Gardening, and I’m so glad I listened. The pumice helps aerate the soil, improve drainage, and provide essential nutrients – all while preventing my plants from drowning in the rare heavy rainfalls.

Embracing the Unexpected

As I stepped back to admire my new drought-tolerant oasis, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. This was no longer just a practical solution to my water-guzzling lawn – it had become a vibrant, living work of art.

Sure, there were a few hiccups along the way. Like the time a fierce rainstorm threatened to wash away my freshly planted seedlings. But with a little problem-solving and a lot of resilience, I was able to adapt and overcome. In the end, those challenges only made me a stronger, more confident gardener.

And you know what? Breaking up with my thirsty St. Augustine lawn was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I save a significant amount on my water bill, but I also gained a gorgeous, low-maintenance landscape that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Plus, Today’s Gardens even hooked me up with a Watersaver Landscape Coupon to help offset the initial costs.

So if you’re ready to ditch the traditional lawn and embrace the beauty of drought-tolerant gardening, I say go for it! Trust me, the payoff is well worth the effort. Your wallet, your water bill, and your inner artist will thank you.