• Native plants are an important element of xeriscaping.cactus flower image by Charlene Bayerle from Fotolia.com
  
  Derived from the Greek word xeros, which means "dry," xeriscaping is the concept of uniting water conservation with aesthetics in landscaping for dry climates. By emphasizing drought-tolerant native plants, limiting turf areas, creating efficient irrigation systems and developing a central oasis area, xeriscape gardens promote water conservation in areas with low annual rainfall. If you live in such an area, government funding or free seminars may help you xeriscape a garden for your community or school.
  
  

Arizona

• The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) helped fund a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden developed for the Tempe Women's Club Park. Grant availability and priorities change from year to year. Consult the ADWR web site for specific information about the current funding year.
  
  Arizona Department of Water Resources
  www.adwr.state.az.us
  
  Some municipalities strongly affected by dry conditions also offer grants within a limited geographic range. For instance, the City of Tempe offers school garden grants within the Tempe and Kyrene school districts.
  
  City of Tempe Water Conservation
  www.tempe.gov/conservation/SchoolGardens/grants.htm
  
  

Colorado

• The Colorado Water Conservation Board awarded the Douglas County Water Resource Authority more than $60,000 in grant funding to develop and distribute a Xeriscaping DVD. Contact the board for details about funding for the current year.
  
  Colorado Water Conservation Board
  cwcb.state.co.us/Conservation/PublicInfo/XeriscapeDVD/
  
  

California

• The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power offers cash incentives for xeriscaping. Single-family residential customers can earn $1 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with drought-resistant native plants. Participants in the incentive program must receive a reservation prior to beginning turf replacement.
  
  Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
  Residential Drought Resistant Landscape Incentive Program
  1-888-376-3314
  
  The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Community Partnering Program provides funding to cover some aspects of xeriscaping, such as signs for native plants gardens, but it does not cover irrigation systems, reimbursement for labor or soil or mulch expenses.
  
  Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
  Community Partnering Program
  213-217-6633
  
  

National Grants

• Some grant-making organizations offer funding for environmental education and gardens but not specifically for xeriscaping. The Captain Planet Foundation provides grants between $250 to $2,500. The foundation supports programs that promote an understanding of environmental issues with a focus on hands-on participation among children and young adults (ages 6 to 18).
  
  Captain Planet Foundation
  133 Luckie Street, 2nd Floor
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  404-522-4270
  captainplanetfoundation.org
  
  The Fiskars Foundation, Project Orange Thumb supports community gardens, providing up to $1,000 in Fiskars gardening tools and up to $1,000 for plants, seed and mulch.
  
  Fiskars, Project Orange Thumb
  1-800-500-4849