Xeriscaping in Amarillo: The Smart, Sustainable Way to Landscape

Here in the Texas Panhandle, we’re no strangers to hot summers, high winds, and long stretches without rain. If you’ve ever fought to keep your yard green in Amarillo, you know—traditional landscaping doesn’t always make sense in our climate. That’s where xeriscaping comes in. It’s beautiful, it’s low-maintenance, and it’s designed for places just like Amarillo, Canyon, and Lake Tanglewood. 

Commercial Property: Xeriscaping Landscape Design

What is Xeriscaping? 

Xeriscaping (pronounced ZEER-i-scaping) is a landscaping method that uses plants and design techniques requiring little water. In fact, the term comes from the Greek word “xeri,” meaning dry. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and other Mediterranean cultures were masters of designing landscapes that thrived in dry climates. Out of necessity, they used native, drought-tolerant plants combined with stone, gravel, and shaded courtyards. These designs weren’t just practical—they were beautiful, functional, and sustainable long before water conservation had a name. 

Why Xeriscaping Works in the Texas Panhandle:

If you live in an Amarillo neighborhood such as Wolflin, The Colonies, Greenways, or Woodlands, you already know water is precious here. Between unpredictable storms and months-long dry spells, a thirsty lawn isn’t just expensive—it’s exhausting. 

Xeriscaping solves that problem. 

Benefits of xeriscaping in Amarillo: 

• Uses up to 75 percent less water than traditional lawns 

• Saves money on your water bill 

• Lowers maintenance with fewer weeds, pests, and mowing 

• Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds 

• Looks stunning year-round with native grasses, stones, and colorful blooms 

• Builds a healthier, more resilient landscape that handles drought with ease 

At Custom Gardens, we believe in being good stewards of natural resources. Water is vital for all life, and conserving it matters—not just for today, but for future generations. 

Fun Fact: Xeriscaping ≠ Desert 

People sometimes think xeriscaping just means cacti and rocks, but that’s not true. 

A well-designed xeriscape in Amarillo can include: 

• Native flowering plants like Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) and Desert Willow 

• Ornamental grasses like Blue Grama and Little Bluestem 

• Evergreen shrubs, seasonal blooms, and even shade trees 

• Gorgeous stonework, gravel paths, and dry creek beds for style and function 

Residential Property Featuring with Waterfall and Native Plants

Pair Xeriscaping with Smart Irrigation:

Even low-water landscapes need occasional watering, especially in the heat of summer. That’s why we pair xeriscaping with smart irrigation systems that are Wi-Fi controlled, weather responsive, and designed to detect leaks and prevent water waste. 

It’s the perfect way to make sure your xeriscape thrives with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. 

Designed by Experts, Built for Amarillo:

Every yard is different. Whether you’re building a new home in La Paloma, refreshing your backyard in The Colonies, or upgrading your ranch property in Canyon, our team at Custom Gardens designs xeriscapes that are: 

• Customized to your soil, slope, and sun exposure 

• Built with drought-tolerant plants that fit your aesthetic 

• Designed to save water and time without sacrificing beauty

Ready to Ditch the Thirsty Lawn? Let’s design a yard that works with Amarillo’s climate—not against it. Xeriscaping is beautiful, practical, and built to last. Plus, it’s one of the easiest ways to cut water costs while creating a landscape you’ll love year-round.  

Quick Facts About Xeriscaping 

• The average lawn uses 10,000 gallons of water per year. Xeriscaping can cut that by 50 to 75 percent. 

• The word xeriscape combines Greek “xeri” (dry) with “landscape.” 

• Xeriscapes can be just as colorful as traditional gardens with blooms, grasses, and trees native to Texas. 

• The term originally popularized in Denver, Colorado, during the droughts of the 1980s—but the roots of xeriscaping trace back thousands of years to ancient dry-climate civilizations. 

Free consultations | Serving Amarillo, Canyon, Lake Tanglewood, and neighborhoods across the Texas Panhandle | Luxury, sustainable landscape design—built for West Texas.