Designing Shrub Bed Areas With Water Conservation in Mind

Shrubs are very versatile and provide functional and visual benefits in water-wise landscape designs. Shrubs can be used for screening unsightlyviews, adding year round beauty, and as visual transitions between trees and shorter herbaceous perennials and groundcovers.  Fortunately, local garden centers are increasing their inventory of native and water-wise shrubs.

General information on using shrubs in the landscape. Source: Nebraska Extension

Design Considerations

Shrubs are available in vase, mounding, upright, and spreading forms. Since shrubs have …

Plant Selection for Water-Wise Shrub Beds

Appropriate plant selection for water-wise shrub beds can help reduce water needs in the landscape.

Shrubs can provide a more natural look, screen unsightly objects, create strong seasonal interest in the landscape, and provide a backdrop for showy perennials. Shrubs can also meet habitat and food requirements for a variety of wildlife species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Look for native or species adapted to the local climate, soil type, and sun exposure
  • Choose flowering and fruiting