Every summer, gardeners notice that the summer heat steals the beauty of certain plants. They fade and wither, leaving us with only the memories of what once was. To keep these plants happy and healthy, watering becomes a nightmare during high heat and periods of no rainfall.

Xeriscaping, or low-water-usage gardening, may be the answer. The term xeriscape often brings visions of parched desert landscapes. But a xeriscape can be colorful, attractive, and inviting while requiring far less water than traditional landscapes.