In California, the essential first step toward becoming environmental is water conservation. The drought tolerant plants are best adapted to survive in California’s climate. Therefore, once you design your garden to use less water, you will immediately find that you have reduced the need for toxic chemicals and artificial fertilizers. Designing for “the real world” relieves gardening frustrations and disappointments, minimizing the stress on our environment and ourselves.
 

Some of the California Mission gardens offer useful models for the environmental garden. Design elements of these gardens usually include paved and walled courtyards instead of lawns; a central fountain that magnifies the soothing qualities of water; arcaded walks for outdoor living covered with fragrant and colorful vines, creating a green to be walked under, not upon; and a water-conserving planting that features sentiment, fragrance, and food as well as flowers.