Water-Wise and Drought-Friendly Resources for Your Garden

by Lisa MolsonAttention: This post is over 3 years old and the information may be out of date.July 24, 2021

We’re in the midst of a severe drought and our governor is calling on Californians to decrease water usage by fifteen percent. Some counties like Santa Clara County have issued local emergencies due to extreme drought conditions. Interested in ways to conserve water in the garden? San José Public Library offers ample resources on water-wise practices and drought-friendly planting for the garden.

Water-Wise Resources for Your Garden

The Bold Dry Garden Lessons From the Ruth Bancroft Garden, book cover

The Colorful Dry Garden Over 100 Flowers and Vibrant Plants for Drought, Desert & Dry Times, book cover

The Dry Gardening Handbook Plants and Practices for a Changing Climate, book cover

Waterwise Plants for Sustainable Gardens 200 Drought-tolerant Choices for All Climates, book cover

Gardening in a Changing Climate Inspirational and Practical Ideas for Creating Sustainable, Waterwis, book cover

Plants and Landscapes for Summer-dry Climates of the San Francisco Bay Region, book cover

Gardening With Drought-Friendly Plants, book cover

The Water-wise Home How to Conserve, Capture, and Reuse Water in Your Home and Landscape, book cover

Create A Mediterranean Garden Planting A Low-Water, Low-Maintenance Paradise - Anywhere, book cover

Gardening in Summer-dry Climates, book cover

Video: Water Conservation in Your Vegetable Garden

Valley Water held a virtual presentation for the San José Public Library community which offers a wealth of gardening water-conservation tips. They also mention that residents can apply for a landscape rebate by practicing low-water use and improving irrigation systems.

Additional items available through San José Public Library

Press Reader: Magazines and newspaper articles.
Book List: Drought tolerant plants and water-wise gardening.

Website Resources