Its time to act. Our planet is depending on you.
With Central Oregon’s growing population, tightening water resources, and increasingly frequent drought conditions, the case for xeriscaping is no longer just environmental—it’s strategic.
The City of Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) outlines a clear path to reduce emissions and increase climate resilience, including targets for water conservation and landscape transformation. As part of these goals, the city has prioritized outdoor water use reduction, recognizing that turf-heavy landscapes account for a significant portion of residential and commercial water demand.
Local Expertise
Hear from OSU Extension water-wise demonstration garden in Bend Oregon.
The future of Planet Earth depends on soil health.
Xeriscaping landscapes transforms us from monoculture sod to diverse ecosystems that thrive and regenerate our soils for generations to come.
FAQs
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Style of landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation by using water-efficient practices and plants that thrive in local climates—especially in dry or drought-prone regions.
The term comes from the Greek word xeros, meaning “dry.”
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Planning & Design – Creating a thoughtful layout that groups plants with similar water needs.
Soil Improvement – Using compost and organic matter to improve water retention.
Efficient Irrigation – Relying on drip irrigation or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers.
Appropriate Plant Selection – Choosing drought-tolerant, native, or climate-adapted plants.
Mulching – Using bark, gravel, or other mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
Limited Turf Areas – Minimizing or eliminating grass lawns, which require a lot of water.
Maintenance – Keeping the landscape healthy with minimal inputs (weeding, pruning, etc.).
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In places like Central Oregon, xeriscaping can cut outdoor water use by up to 60%, while also lowering maintenance costs and supporting native ecosystems.
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Turf removal program details: