What plants should I look for to xeriscape my garden?
When xeriscaping your garden, it is suggested that you use plants that are native to your area and are drought tolerant. Since Central and Eastern Oregon is mostly high desert, many plants work great as both native and drought tolerant. Keep in mind that irrigating is also more efficient if plants with similar watering requirements are grouped together. The following books located at the Deschutes Public Library have extensive lists of xeriscape plants: Heat Zone Gardening by Dr. H. Marc Cathey, Xeriscape Color Guide by David Winger, Drought Tolerant Plants by Jane Taylor, The Water-Thrifty Garden by Stan DeFreitas, Dry-Land Gardening by Jennifer Bennett, Waterwise Gardening by Lauren Springer, Xeriscape Handbook by Gayle Weinstein. To learn about xeriscape appropriate plants for Central Oregon contact From the Ground Up (FTGU) or any of the local nurseries that feature such plants listed in our Green Purchasing chapter.
