I totally get what you mean about those approved plant lists. When we redid our front yard, I was shocked at how limited the options were—half of them didn’t even survive our summers. I actually tried to suggest a couple drought-tolerant plants I’d seen thriving in neighbors’ yards, but the city just pointed back to their list. It’s like they want us to save water but don’t trust us to figure out how. If they let folks propose alternatives or did on-site consults, I bet people would be way more motivated to participate. Creativity just gets stifled otherwise.
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
That’s exactly what happened to us last year—city rebate for ripping out the thirsty grass. But, yeah, the plant list was a total mood killer. Here’s how I tried to work around it (maybe this helps?):
Step 1: Grab their official list and highlight anything remotely alive in our climate.
Step 2: Take a walk around the neighborhood and snap pics of what’s actually thriving, even if it’s not on the list.
Step 3: I emailed the city with my “evidence” and asked if they’d consider a few swaps. Got a polite nope, but at least I tried.
Honestly, it felt like assembling Ikea furniture with half the screws missing. I get that they want consistency or whatever, but it does stifle some of the fun. If they just let folks submit a couple of alternate options—with proof they’re drought-tolerant—it would make these programs way more appealing. Sometimes it feels like they want xeriscaping, but only if it looks like everyone else’s.
Anyway, my neighbor just snuck in some succulents that aren’t on the list... and nobody’s said a word. Maybe that’s the real hack?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
That’s a pretty common frustration with these rebate programs. The plant lists are usually so restrictive, it’s like they want every yard to look exactly the same. I’ve seen clients get creative—sometimes they’ll tuck in a few “unapproved” drought-tolerant plants after the inspection, and honestly, as long as it doesn’t stand out, nobody seems to care. It’s a bit of a gamble, but I get why people do it. Would be nice if the city trusted homeowners a bit more to make smart choices for their own yards.
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. Those lists can be a pain, and sometimes the “approved” plants just aren’t your vibe or don’t work for your space. I’ve bent the rules a little myself—honestly, as long as you’re saving water, isn’t that the point? It’d be awesome if they gave us a bit more freedom to be creative.
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
I’ve always wondered why the plant lists are so restrictive, too. Sometimes it feels like they’re more about aesthetics than actual water savings. I mean, what if someone wants to experiment with native grasses or even edible landscaping that isn’t on the list? Wouldn’t that still support the goal? I’m curious how cities decide which plants make the cut—do they actually consult with people who design or live in these spaces, or is it just a bureaucratic thing?