xeriscape

/ˈzɛrɪˌskeɪp/

Other forms: xeriscaping; xeriscaped; xeriscapes

A xeriscape is an an outdoor area that's designed using plants which don't require much water to thrive. Many xeriscapes include succulents like cacti.

When you try to think of a plant that's perfectly content with very little water, you probably imagine a cactus — but a xeriscape can include hundreds of different plants, from agave and black walnut trees to lavender and thyme. This method has grown in popularity as more areas struggle with water shortages. Xeriscape, which can be used as a noun or verb, was coined in 1981 by combining landscape with the Greek prefix xero-, or "dry."

Definitions of xeriscape

1. noun

   gardening method used in dry climates to conserve water by using drought-resistant plants that can thrive with minimal irrigation
2. noun

   a garden designed to minimize water use in dry regions, as by using drought-resistant plants
3. verb

   conserve water by gardening with drought-resistant plants in dry climates