Resources
East Bay Plant Guide
Why It Matters
Designing for the East Bay Climate
The East Bay has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Choosing plants adapted to these conditions means a healthier landscape with far less water and maintenance over time.
California Natives
Plants indigenous to California that are naturally adapted to local soils, rainfall patterns, and summer drought.
Examples
- Ceanothus
- Salvia clevelandii
- Coffeeberry
- Toyon
- Blue-eyed grass
Mediterranean Plants
Plants from Mediterranean climates around the world that thrive in our dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Examples
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Cistus
- Agapanthus
- Olea (Olive)
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses that add texture, movement, and year-round structure with minimal water and maintenance.
Examples
- Festuca glauca
- Muhlenbergia
- Nassella
- Carex
- Deer grass
Succulents & Agaves
Bold architectural plants with extremely low water requirements, excellent for dry slopes and accent areas.
Examples
- Agave
- Aloe
- Echeveria
- Hesperaloë
- Dudleya
Principles for Low-Water Landscaping
Right plant, right place
Match plants to your site conditions — sun, shade, slope, soil drainage. Plants in the wrong conditions struggle and require more water and care.
Group by water needs
Hydrozoning — placing plants with similar water needs together — makes irrigation far more efficient and reduces waste.
Reduce lawn area
Lawn is the highest water consumer in most residential landscapes. Replacing turf with drought-tolerant plantings, paths, or groundcovers can dramatically cut water use.
Use drip irrigation
Drip systems deliver water directly to plant roots, dramatically reducing evaporation and runoff compared to spray systems.
Mulch generously
A 3–4 inch layer of mulch suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and moderates soil temperature — extending the time between waterings.
Get the Guide
Request Your Plant Guide
Tell us which plant categories interest you so the AHS team can follow up on your request.
Get Started
Want Help Choosing the Right Plants?
Our team can put together a planting plan tailored to your property, goals, and water budget.