Looking for ways to lower your monthly water bill? Try selecting drought-resistant plants and using water-friendly gardening techniques in your yard and garden.

There are a number of gardening techniques that can help you create a beautiful yard without using a lot of water. Consider incorporating these tips into your gardening routine:

• Group plants with similar water requirements together. This technique, called hydrozoning, is one way to make sure all your plants receive the right amount of water without overwatering.
• Pick up some mulch and compost next time you’re at the garden center. They prevent the soil from losing moisture through evaporation. 
• Water at the right time of day. The most effective period is early in the morning or in the evening. This keeps water evaporation to a minimum and allows the plants, flowers, lawn and soil to absorb water before it disappears into thin air.
• Don’t use too much fertilizer. When nitrogen from the fertilizer is released, it stimulates plant growth and with it, water demand.
• Install a drip irrigation system for more effective watering than sprinklers, which can send precious water to driveways and sidewalks.
• Repair sprinkler, hose and tap leaks or replace broken parts immediately.
• Install a rain barrel or plastic tubing that can collect rain runoff and direct it to plants and flowers.

Whether you are landscaping a new yard or revitalizing an existing one, here are some suggestions for selecting greenery that works well in dry climates and can survive on less water:

• Plant drought-resistant plants. Succulent plants and the whole range of cactus plants are good options because they store water in their foliage. Not only do these plants help conserve water, they also give your yard an exotic atmosphere. 
• Use tall fescue grass for a water-saving lawn, but don’t cut the grass too short, as it will crave more water to combat the sun’s rays. Keep grass longer and stronger for less watering.
• Shape flower beds into a shallow bowl so any water that flows into the beds can collect, allowing it to soak into the soil.

Want more water-wise tips?

• Pick up a book or two on water-wise gardening.
• Watch home and garden television shows and visit relevant Internet sites. They can provide great visual aids for techniques or designs to use in your own yard.
• Consult your local Walmart Garden Center experts for help selecting the right plants, flowers and equipment.

With the right planning and management, you can minimize water usage for maximum results. This will make it easy to keep the green in your yard and your wallet.