• Choose water-wise landscaping in Southern Californiaaloe vera image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
  
  The southern California landscape varies from coastal climates that are heavily influenced by ocean air, to high deserts where dryness and scorching temperatures predominate. As a result, residents have various garden landscaping options. Accommodate your need for comfort, convenience and safety by strategically planning your yard's layout and choosing plants and materials that will save water, maintenance and possibly your home.
  
  

Lawnless Landscaping

• The threat of droughts in Southern California has led to increased water-consciousness and periodic water restrictions in some jurisdictions of the region. Homeowners concerned with saving water have abandoned the idea of lush, sprawling green lawns and replaced them with expansive patios, stones, container plants and trees, characterizing what bewaterwise.com calls the "Southern California Friendly Garden." They advise gardeners to keep turf grass--which is a thirsty plant--to a minimum and to use drought-tolerant grasses. "Some grasses can live on rainfall alone in their native Western ranges, and they need mowing just once or twice a year," says Sunset Magazine. Group trees, shrubs, perennials and ground covers with similar water needs, together, and arrange potted plants so they shade one another. Plant plenty of trees because they "help to lower air and soil temperatures, reducing plant and soil moisture loss," according to bewaterwise.com. Place large trees strategically, so they shade the yard, keep it cool and manage water evaporation. Use permeable paving made of stones because it requires little to no watering, says Sunset Magazine.
  
  

Water and Safety Wise

• Planting succulents in and around your property conserves water and could potentially protect your home from Southern California's devastating wildfires. "A fire-safe landscape uses fire-resistant plants that are strategically planted to resist the spread of fire to your home," says the Fire Safe Council, and can give firefighters a base from which to battle flames. Create a "defensible space," which is a clearance at least 30 feet from your home, or 150 feet if you're on a hillside, recommends the council. The space may be filled with plants such as aloes, ice plants and similar drought-tolerant plants with high-moisture content. Use plants that do not accumulate dead leaves or twigs and plant shrubs and trees furthest from the home.
  
  

Swimming Pool Landscapes

• Southern California homes with swimming pools can also be water conscious and at the same time, compliment the climate with a tropical feel. In general, you'll want to surround the pool with concrete because of it's slip resistance and durability, says the Landscape Advisor website. They recommend planting shrubs, colorful plants and flowers throughout the landscape to to soften the stark white of concrete. You can also use slip-proof brick and pavers which come in different colors. Plants and trees that tend to drop leaves, nuts, fruit and berries should be planted far from the water, to reduce pool maintenance. Trees and shrubs can be placed strategically around the yard's perimeter to create a natural barrier around your pool for privacy, says Landscape Advisor.