• Meadows, when planted with California native grasses and perennials, can be low maintenance with low water requirements.

Utilize native bunchgrasses such as Festuca idahoensis, Festuca 'Tomales Bay', Koeleria macrantha and some native Carex's because they require less irrigation and less frequent mowing than most other native grasses.  Also, they allow more opportunity for native flowering perennials to establish because they grow as bunches rather than with runners that spread.

• Give the meadow grasses at least a year to grow in and then start introducing perennial flowers.  Some great options include: Iris douglasiana, Achillea millifolium, Salvia spathacea, Lupinus albifrons, and Sisyrinchium bellum.
• The meadow will only need to be cut back once or twice a year.  Bunchgrasses should be cut back to 4 to 6 inches tall in the late summer or early fall and then deeply irrigated to allow them to reestablish faster. 
• Carex praegracilis is a California native sedge that can be used for a grassy meadow.  It withstands foot traffic, requires little water, needs no fertilizer, and can handle either sunny or shady conditions.
• See www.nativeson.com/pdf/carexcrd.pdf for more information about Carex praegracilis.

Groundcover

• Groundcover plants which grow within 6" above the ground can require little to no maintenance once they have grown in.  Taller varieties may take more time because they can require some pruning.
• Choose groundcovers for their drought tolerance, density, and spread.  Plants which are drought tolerant should lower water use and those with higher density and wider spread cover the ground and help to keep weeds under control.
• Stepables are low growing groundcovers that can withstand foot traffic.  Visit your local nursery or www.stepables.com to learn more about which groundcovers work best.

• Mixing perennial flowers and shrubs with edible plants such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs can create a low maintenance, attractive landscape that can be enjoyed not only for its beauty but also for its delicious bounty.
• Reduce water use by utilizing drip irrigation and by choosing drought tolerant plants with similar water requirements.

• Flower and shrub beds can be strategically located within the landscape to add color and interest to your garden.
• Choose low water requiring plants, utilize drip irrigation to decrease water use and water for longer periods of time and less often to encourage deep root systems.
• Utilize native plants and other low maintenance perennials and shrubs that require little to no pruning, dividing, staking or fertilizing.
• Spread mulch outside the base of the plants to cover the bare ground and help reduce water loss from the soil.

Hardscape Surfaces

• Create a patio of flagstone, pavers, brick, or other surfaces to replace grass.  This will greatly reduce water, maintenance, fertilizer and pesticide use in the landscape as well as create an inviting and relaxing sitting area to enjoy.
• Build plant beds around the outside or place potted plants strategically on the patio. This can greatly increase the aesthetics of the sitting area.

Artificial Turf

• Artificial turf is man made turf that is created to look like grass.  There are many looks to choose from such as one with both brown and green blades which gives the grass a more realistic appearance and others which glisten as if just watered.
• The turf is permeable to allow water to pass through, is virtually maintenance free, tolerant of foot traffic and remains stain-free even when used by pets.
• Irrigation is extremely minimal but, is still necessary occasionally in the summer because the plastic heats up and needs to be cooled and washed off.
• One drawback to the artificial turf is the initial installation can be time consuming and expensive because all turf areas that may have existed in the space beforehand must be completely removed.  

• www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2009/mar/22/going-even-greener-alternatives-to-grass
• www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/flowers/wildflowermeadow.asp
• www.eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_alternatives.htm
• www.landscaping.about.com/cs/cheaplandscaping1/a/xeriscaping.htm
• www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/pdf/AAHPA-21-32.pdf
• www.cnga.org/library/CreatingANativeCaliforniaMeadowAmme2003.pdf
• www.yerbabuenanursery.com