Colorado State University students Bradyn Fajado and Cooper Gauthier are demonstrating how homeowners can use functional landscaping to conserve water [1].

These strategies address the growing need for sustainable residential water management in the U.S. By integrating smart design, homeowners can reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of their properties.

Fajado and Gauthier, who study environmental horticulture at Colorado State University, focus on the intersection of color and conservation [1]. Their approach emphasizes that water-saving landscapes do not have to be barren or monochromatic. Instead, they advocate for the use of specific plant selections and design layouts that naturally require less irrigation [2].

Functional landscaping involves planning the yard to maximize water efficiency, a process that includes selecting native species and arranging plants by their water needs. This method ensures that high-water plants are grouped together, preventing the waste associated with overwatering drought-tolerant species [1].

The students highlight that a colorful yard is achievable through the strategic use of perennials and shrubs that are adapted to the local climate [2]. By reducing the reliance on traditional, water-intensive grass lawns, residents can significantly lower their monthly water usage while supporting local biodiversity [1].

This educational effort aims to move residential landscaping away from purely decorative goals toward a model of ecological responsibility [2]. The students encourage homeowners to view their outdoor spaces as functional ecosystems rather than just ornaments for the home [1].

“Water-saving landscapes do not have to be barren or monochromatic.”

The shift toward functional landscaping reflects a broader trend in urban planning to combat water scarcity. By promoting native plantings and hydro-zoning—grouping plants by water requirement—these methods reduce the strain on municipal water systems and decrease the need for chemical fertilizers often required by non-native lawns.