Are you looking for drought tolerant plant ideas to start your own garden in the heat? Maybe your area does not get a lot of water and you’re looking for water wise ideas. I’ve compiled quite a few desert botanical garden ideas to get your homestead started.

Drought Tolerant Plant Ideas

Would you like to get through the heat, survive the drought, or just plain enjoy the outdoors without wasting a bunch of water? You’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some beautiful landscaping ideas for your drought tolerant garden as well as some excellent plant options that thrive in low-water conditions.

1. Succulent Garden

Succulents are beautiful and thrive in low-water conditions.

2. Plant a Curbside Garden

Grow your garden on smaller plots, and avoid lawns altogether if you can!

3. Plant a Xeriscape Garden

Xeriscape gardening is smart gardening. Learn more here.

4. California Friendly Garden

Plant florals and fauna are native to thrive in your low-water region.

5. Wicking Bed Garden

Save Water and Make this Drip System Here. It’s so easy.

It’s time to get in your garden and plant some flowers! Take a look at our favorites here: http://t.co/XsfyDQFL6t pic.twitter.com/24n1aDevmN

— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) May 4, 2015

6. Add Rocks To Your Garden

Rocks make for beautiful landscaping (and you’ll never have to water them!…EVER)!!

7. Plant a Mediterranean Garden

Use drought tolerant plants and have a Mediterranean garden in no time!

10. Gravel Garden

In the desert? Just add gravel.

11. Use Stone Path Markers

Play with height for added interest.

12. Beautiful Drought Tolerant Garden

Who says drought-tolerant gardens have to be all cacti?

13. Wood Chip Gardening

Similar to the gravel garden, and a little softer on the feet. (Only a little).

14. Container Garden

Keep everything contained for easy water control. Get tips about getting started here.

15. Small Pond Garden

Great idea for pond lovers! Make it here.

16. Desktop Zen Garden

This garden may be small, but it’s still beautiful! Very zen.

17. Cactus Garden

Cacti are the ideal desert plant.

18. Dry Creek Bed

This garden is beautiful and functional.

19. Ornamental Grasses

These grasses are drought tolerant, and very pretty.

20. Native Plants Garden

Success is almost guaranteed when you choose plants that thrive in your region.

21. Desert Botanical Garden

Embrace the desert with this botanical garden.

22. Play Up Shape Ideas

Shape plays an important role in beautifying your garden. Have fun!

23. Grow an Aloe Garden

Not only are they pretty to look at but you’ll also get tons of benefits.

26. Low Water Garden Ideas

Being able to sustain a garden with low water is the goal. This is just perfect.

27. Plant a Cactus Forest

A forest made out of cacti? I don’t want to get lost in it but I’m sure it’ll look stunning.

28. Grow a Hillside Low-Water Garden

Living hillside? Then this is the best low-water garden inspiration for you.

29. Cover Your Walls With Drought-Tolerant Ivy

If you’ve always wanted a living wall, these drought-tolerant ivies are key. It also give you additional privacy by becoming a natural screening plant. Details here.

30. Landscape With Evergreens

Evergreens have always been a favorite. I’m sure you can see why.

31. Plant Desert Rhubarb for a Self Watering Plant

A self-watering plant will be a great addition to any garden. Just plant and forget!

32. Grow a Drought Tolerant Spanish Garden

Add a Spanish flair to your garden with this inspiration.

33. Add Vibrant Colors and Textures

Two things I always look for in a garden, color and texture.

34. Succulent and Dry River Garden

Such a great combination, wouldn’t you agree?

35. Build a Deck

Great for lounging and a spot where you can admire all your marvelous greenery.

36. Landscape Your Own Dry Creek Bed

Don’t be confused, you don’t really need a dry creek bed. With some creativity and a little landscaping skill, you’ll be able to pull this off.

37. Plant Creeping Sedum

Such a lovely plant to have in the garden.

38. Plant Creeping Thyme

Don’t you just love the pop of color it brings?

39. Make A Vertical Succulent Bed

Horizontal is so normal. Switch it up a bit and make a vertical succulent bed. It looks like a living wall art.

40. Plant Korean Velvet Grass

Stunning luscious green. Just what every garden needs.

Whew! Those are just 40 ideas, I hope you found inspiration in all of them, if not then at least a handful of them! Get your own drought-tolerant garden growing so you can enjoy lush foliage year-round, even when the water is low.

Want to see what your choices are? Check it out here from VolunteerGardener:

Did this list inspire you to try your skill in making a drought-tolerant garden? Let us know how it went in the comments below!