In an attempt to reduce excessive water use, TAEX is conducting a statewide project on landscaping techniques that conserve water and protect the environment. This comprehensive approach to landscaping for water conservation incorporates 7 basic principles:

A well-designed landscape is a pleasure to the family, enhances a community and adds to the property's resale value. Landscape design involves much more than placing trees, shrubs and other plants on the property. It is an art which deals with conscious arrangement or organization of outdoor space for human satisfaction and enjoyment.

The following ornamental plants have been observed to thrive in the rugged Texas landscape. Please note that plants may show regional and site specificity.

Proper maintenance is a key principle in reducing irrigation requirements in the landscape. Maintenance practices, such as mulching, mowing and fertilizing greatly impact the water efficiency of any landscape, as well as the landscape's ability to survive a drought.

Home gardening continues to grow in popularity. One of every three families does some type of home gardening, according to conservative estimates, with a majority of gardens located in urban areas. Texas gardeners can produce tasty, nutritious vegetables year-round.

Texas is expected to soon become the second most popular state in the U.S. with two-thirds of the population located in urban/suburban areas. With this growth, conservative estimates indicate water needs will increase 75 percent by the year 2005.

Water has always been a limited resource in Texas. In times of drought, the water supply can become so depleted that cities are required to initiate rationing programs.