The aim of this book is to guide High Desert residents toward beautiful landscapes which are water-efficient and appropriate for the High Desert environment. But many people buy existing homes and inherit gardens planned by others. Also many homeowners may have gardens which they developed before they fully realized the importance of water awareness.

In some cases, existing landscapes may be inappropriate for the High Desert, may be high water use, or may not fit your family's needs. If so, there can be many benefits to relandscaping. These include:

• Decreasing your water use.
• Decreasing the maintenance time for your landscape.
• Matching the landscape to your desired uses for it.
• Lowering costs for both water and indoor energy use.
• Developing a more natural and pleasing landscape.
• Doing your part to conserve High Desert water resources.

KEYS TO YOUR GARDEN MAKEOVER

1 . Inspect and repair your irrigation system.

2. Develop an appropriate watering schedule for existing plantings.

3. Evaluate your needs. Will they be met by relandscaping? If so, develop plans which include:

• Planting new materials, including turf to meet only functional needs.
• Installing hardscape patios or decks for recreational uses.
• Replacing labor intensive plants with low water use shrubs and groundcovers.
• Placing trees and shrubs for summer shade and winter sun.
• Developing plant zones and using drip irrigation where possible.
• Using mulches to help soil retain water.

Table of Contents

Home
Introduction
Know your Local Ordinance
Desert Climate
Analyze Your Site
Landscaping a New Home
Soil Amendments
Planting Your Landscape
Make Your Own Compost
Designing and Installing
       your Irrigation System
Relandscaping for the
       High Desert
3 Year Guide for
       Relandscaping
Maintaining an Established        Landscape
Maintaining Your Irrigation        System
Water Budget Method of         Irrigating Trees and
        Shrubs
High Desert Lawn
        Watering Guide
Do You Have a Fire Hazard?
Erosion Control
The High Desert Seasons
Turf Grasses for the
        High Desert
Plant Lists
     Shrubs
     Vines
     Groundcover
     Plants for Color
     Trees

Acknowledgments