Xeriscape landscaping is perfect for areas where you want or need low maintenance and low irrigation. Whether you want a drought-tolerant plan or just something with little upkeep, the concept of xeriscaping works well in almost any environment.

In 1981, Denver Water invented the term "xeriscaping," a combination of the Greek word for dry, "xeros," and "landscape." Although originally designed for hot, arid climates, the practice has expanded to all regions. Xeriscaping makes use of plants that are native to an area and can often include decorative walkways, stone benches and other adornments to turn even a tiny backyard space into a lush oasis not so far away from home. Even in a world where climate change can challenge even the most diligent gardener, a xeriscape garden can offer long-lasting results.

Once upon a time it was thought that drought-troubled backyards and gardens should be covered over with concrete and a few simple, potted plants; this arrangement certainly did not lend itself to a comfortable and welcoming area ideal for cordial entertaining. Xeriscape landscaping was first conceived of for Southwestern deserts, but the appeal of low maintenance as well as the simple beauty of designs has made it a popular choice all over. Donna DiFrancesco, a conservation coordinator with the City of Mesa, Arizona, Environmental and Sustainability Division, said that "xeriscaping principles are really just common-sense practices that work in any climate."

According to AMWUA (Arizona Municipal Water Users Association) in Maricopa, Arizona, there are seven main principles of xeriscape landscaping:

No. 1: Good Planning and Design -- Tailor your plan to your taste, your desired use and your pocketbook.

No. 2: Low Water Use Plants -- Select low-water, low-maintenance and native (to your area) plants.

No. 3: Appropriate Turf Areas -- Depending on your plans for usage (such as children's play and pets), soft turf areas should be incorporated into your design.

No. 4: Efficient Irrigation: New plants will need to be watered; plan plant grouping based on water needs and adjust for each season.

No. 5: Soil Improvements: Native plants will rarely need added fertilizer but will need softened soil for good drainage as the roots take hold.

No. 6: Use of Mulches: Mulches will cover the soil and keep it cool and moist, mulches can be organic (bark chip, decomposed leaves) or inorganic (crushed rock and granite).

No. 7: Appropriate Maintenance -- Xeriscape gardens are low-maintenance and require little watering, but that doesn't mean none; all landscapes need some care.

Xeriscape gardens are gaining popularity even in areas with a normally adequate amount of rainfall. In the commonly lush Northeast, the concept is spreading due to sporadic droughts that every region has seen in recent years. Incorporating the natural environment lends itself to many attractive designs. Even rocky and uneven terrain can be turned into a beautiful and functional garden.

When making your plan to xeriscape your garden, be sure to incorporate the natural lay of the land, including massive trees, embedded rocks, fenced perimeters and more. Be clear about your intended use: an adult conversation pit; a children's play area; a place for family gatherings and barbecues; or even a place of solitude to paint or write.

Knowing your hardiness zone will help you to choose plants that will grow in your average temperature range. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map if you don't know which zone you live in. The lower the number, the colder your area, so choose plants with hardiness ratings that match (most plants list a hardiness range; make sure your number is within and inclusive of that range). You can find the U.S. map at https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/.

Planting annuals can add a lot of color to your garden and will bloom throughout the growing season up until the frost. Popular annuals include marigolds, impatiens, zinnias, begonias, and geraniums. Perennials, though, will return each year up to five, and some will maintain their foliage through the winter. Popular perennials include hostas, peonies, Shasta daisies, Black-eyed Susans, and catmint. Perennial herbs such as chives, coriander and oregano can add fragrance to your garden and planted near your kitchen door, they are also useful for culinary exploits.

Container plants are another option, but they will need separate watering as they do not receive ground moisture.