Oh, forgot to add that we also have plenty of water (on well) but I am trying to encourage my friends to water less....and I don't like dragging out garden hoses. We plant most of the gardens around the house, then grass border beyond that...we have to keep a green space, being in the country/fire hazards.

However, we also try to incorporate all native plantings beyond that grassy area...and I should mention we have 'pasture grass' that's blown in over the years. It's native grass, so it doesn't take much water...just a little in the hot summer.

So, does anyone else have water zones? More water used near the house, with less as you go out and more of a native border? It's great for birds and other wildlife and brings in a lot of beneficial bugs, too :)

And...there was a good article on the Antique Rose forum about the drought and using native plantings more in the garden. Thought I'd share one of the pictures....

http://westphoria.sunset.com/2015/05/11/why-we-shouldnt-let-our-gardens-go-dry/

I post most on my local area forum (New England) which is quite active. I also sometimes post on perennials, shrubs and here. Mostly I am posting what I already have planted, not asking for input on plans. I don't draw planting plans, however, but I do plan in my head, and usually lay out everything in a new or refurbished bed before planting anything.

I think we have fewer issues with regular water here in New England than you do (my memory is that you are further west, though your profile doesn't say), though this spring we have gone 3 weeks, much of it windy with temperatures in the 70's and 80's (unseasonably warm) without a drop. I would welcome rain about now as our fire danger is high. Usually we get regular rain, and I don't worry about watering other than the veggie garden. But I do plant in zones where the plants that may need water if we go for longer than a month without rain are within range of hoses. Along the edge of the woods, I haul water in jugs for the first year after planting if needed, and then after that the plants are on their own to survive or not. Like you, I plant natives in areas farther from the house which for me is along the woodland and wetland edges.

Oh, please post thoughts here! I love reading others' ideas and seeing all your pictures. Some of my favorite plants are ones suggested here or on other GW forums, but I agree that the nicest people are here.

I have been thinking that this year, I may get some extra hoses and leave them coiled on the ground or in a pot and then just drag the one attached to the spigot to those extras in order to water the plants way out back-well, not waaay out back-only a half acre here total, but it is still further than I want to drag one long or several connected hoses. Being able to connect halfway seems a little easier.