Forever Rain Inspired: Embracing Water-Wise Landscaping
by Danielle, Design Director
Envision Landscape Studio
Hello, rain!
Isn’t it refreshing to finally hear raindrops after a dry spell? I get particularly inspired by rain. It slows my mind, resets my entire nervous system. Whenever we have rainfall here in the bay area, it's a huge bonus to our wildlife and habitat. As land designers, we can’t help but think about how to make the most of this natural gift while still creating spaces that feel lush and beautiful year-round.
Even when rain greets us, California’s ongoing water challenges remain at the forefront of responsible landscaping. Thoughtful, water-wise design is essential to balance beauty with sustainability. Whether it’s through plant choices, smart irrigation, or landscape layout, there’s a lot we can do to conserve water without compromising on aesthetics.
There’s a misconception that sustainable landscaping can’t be beautiful, but we’re here to prove that wrong! By incorporating xeriscaping principles—like using drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems — we create spaces that look vibrant and thrive with minimal water use. Imagine a garden that remains lush even when the rain is scarce — that’s the power of purposeful design and sustainability.
Let's start with the obvious. California native plants are our heroes when it comes to low-water landscaping.
Not only are they naturally adapted to our climate, but they also support local ecosystems. My go-to natives and drought-tolerant choices:
Manzanita: Evergreen with beautiful red bark and dainty pink flowers.
Yarrow: Resilient and great for pollinators.
California Buckwheat: Ground cover that flowers through summer.
Deer Grass: Graceful, drought-tolerant ornamental grass.
Next up is smart irrigation. Using water wisely means getting it right to the plants’ roots.
Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses do just that, minimizing evaporation and maximizing efficiency. Grouping plants with similar water needs and watering in the early morning or late evening helps, too. It’s all about giving plants what they need without wasting a drop. I am a huge advocate for the smart irrigation systems that work with this. They have advanced systems and are well worth switching to something with bluetooth and wifi capabilities. These allow for weather tracking which helps against over water use. Here are my go-to's for intall.
Rachio 3rd Generation Smart Sprinkler Controller 8-Zone
The Rachio 3 offers hyper-local weather intelligence, adjusting watering schedules based on real-time data. It integrates seamlessly with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Assistant. It primarily uses Wi-Fi and features a user-friendly app.
Orbit B-Hyve 8 Station XR Smart Sprinkler Controller
Orbit's B-Hyve XR combines both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for flexible control. Its WeatherSense® technology ensures efficient watering by considering local weather conditions. It's a budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features.
Hydro-Rain HRC-400 16 Station Smart Irrigation Outdoor Controller
This controller offers dual connectivity options, making setup and control versatile. Powered by B-hyve technology, it provides flexible scheduling and is suitable for larger landscapes with its 16-station capacity. That's huge!
Since it’s raining today, let’s talk about rain gardens!
These shallow, planted depressions capture runoff from roofs or driveways, allowing it to soak back into the ground rather than pooling or flowing away. Not only do rain gardens reduce stormwater pollution, but they also recharge groundwater, making them a sustainable addition to any landscape.
A Call to Action: Let’s Design Responsibly. Today’s rain is a gift, but it’s also a reminder to think ahead. By incorporating water-wise strategies into our landscape designs, we can create beautiful, resilient gardens that stand the test of time (and drought).
Let’s make the most of every drop and design with intention!
x,
Danielle
