The right mix of hardscape, lawn and plants can produce a green landscape that doesn't require a lot of water.

What is the best strategy for home landscaping that embraces water conservation yet doesn't dictate having a front yard filled with rocks and cacti? Landscape contractors, especially those working in the more arid or drought-stricken regions of this country, are being asked this question more and more by homeowners concerned with our growing water shortage yet still wanting a verdant yard.

Janet Laminack, the horticulture county extension agent at Texas A&M has an answer that includes healthy and beautiful lawns and flowerbeds.

Her recommendation for a water-conserving landscape is one-third lawn area, one-third hardscape and one-third perennials and shrub beds.

The lawn area and the hardscape, be it sidewalks, decks, patios or even rocks and gravel, is pretty self-explanatory. For the flowers and shrubs, Laminack has specific advice.

"Picking plants that enjoy hot summers and can survive on minimal supplemental irrigation is important," she says. "Indulging in a few high-maintenance favorites is allowed, but don't water your entire landscape just to give those few plants enough water. Group or zone plants according to water requirement and set your irrigation timer accordingly."

Laminack adds, "You might be surprised at the quantity of beautiful, lush and non-cactus looking plants that are drought-tolerant."

You can see some of her recommendations here.

Other best management practices, according to Laminack, include adding a 3 to 6-inch layer of mulch to all your shrubs, trees and flowering plants.

"Mulch helps insulate the soil, reduces erosion, reduces competition from weeds and slows water loss from soils," she reports. "If you use an organic material such as wood chips, they break down over time, improving your soil. It's like a slow-release fertilizer."