Get This Look: 5 Texas Waterwise Lawn Replacement Ideas

Did you know that up to 70% of household water is used to water lawns? Texas residents can save water and save money by replacing traditional turfgrass lawns with low-water landscaping. High Country Gardens will help you get started with beautiful waterwise garden design ideas for plants that thrive in Texas. Read on for more information about how to apply for local water-saving landscaping rebates, too!

By Kendall Frost, High Country Gardens Content Manager | Updated 2/13/25

High Country Gardener and homeowner, Rajesh, removed his water-intense Bermuda grass lawn and replaced it with a breathtaking waterwise perennial garden.

In addition to saving water, the biggest benefit he sees is a lot of wildlife activity. Before, he had never seen a hummingbird - now they hang out nine months of the year and only go home for the winter. Rajesh was also able to certify his yard as a wildlife habitat through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Tips To Get This Look:

• Good soil preparation is the key to success and an important investment in the long-term health of your garden. Healthy soil also means less watering!
• Remember that perennials take time to establish — first they sleep, then they creep, and then they leap.

Learn More About This Garden: An English-Inspired Wildscape Garden In Northern Texas

Recommended plants to get this look:

This garden design features perennials with a cool color palette to create a sophisticated look. A mix of low-growing and compact perennials layered in front of taller perennials keeps all of your flowers in view. 

Plus, the fragrances of Lavender and Salvia are not only enjoyable to gardeners - their scents also help to deter deer, rabbits, or other critters from nibbling your plants.

Tips To Get This Look:

• Know your growing conditions, such as soil type, average rainfall, and light exposure, to find plants that are well-suited to your yard
• Learn about native plants for your area, as they will be well-adapted to your growing conditions with little work needed 

Recommended plants to get this look:

When you choose plants whose flowers feature plenty of natural nectar, you'll be sure to attract a parade of bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to your yard. 

The perfect plant for attracting pollinators while thriving in hot, dry conditions is Texas Hummingbird Mint (Agastache cana). With bold rose-red flower spikes and a delicious fragrance, this is a must-have for any Texas gardener. 

Tips To Get This Look:

• Select flowers in sunset-inspired hues, including gold, coral, pink, and lavender. The harmonious color palette is especially lovely at golden hour!
• Layer your plants by height to make the most of all flowers

Photo by High Country Gardens founder, David Salman.

Learn More: How To Grow Agastache

Recommended plants to get this look:

Salvia, or Sage, is one of our top recommendations for waterwise gardening. These perennials have showy, long-blooming flowers in a rainbow of colors. There are a wide range of species and cultivars - including North American Native plants. Salvia's aromatic, resinous foliage makes them very resistant to browsing deer and rabbits. Their nectar-rich flowers attract a wide range of pollinators including honey and native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 

Tips To Get This Look:

• Pair Salvia with ornamental grass and Agave for a low-maintenance garden with year-round interest.
• Remember that perennials take time to establish — first they sleep, then they creep, and then they leap.

Recommended plants to get this look:

This wouldn't be a complete guide to lawn replacements in Texas without mentioning the famous Texas Bluebonnet! 

Wildflowers are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. While seeds do need adequate water to germinate and mature into young plants, wildflowers require little water once established. They also help provide food and habitat for local wildlife and pollinators, including birds, butterflies, bees, and more.

Seeds are also a very cost-effective way to plant your property with a wide variety of wildflower species, especially when considering large scale planting such as a lawn replacement!

Learn More: How To Grow Wildflowers

Recommended seed mixes to get this look:

Want to get paid to go from lawn to garden with a turf replacement rebate?

Make sure to follow the correct process! Strict compliance with your local rebate program's process and procedures is critical to rebate eligibility. Submit your application before you start work on your landscape project.

1. Check your local turf replacement rebate program below for requirements, processes, and deadlines for available incentives.
2. Take "before" photos following your program's requirements, and include drawings of your landscape design, and your plant list, following the program's requirements. Use the garden ideas above for inspiration. 
3. Submit your garden design & before photos to the rebate program for review and approval.
4. After receiving approval, order your plants.
5. Remove your existing turf lawn and install your new waterwise garden according to project guidelines.
6. Submit the required documentation and photos to the turf replacement rebate program after the planting is completed to receive your rebate.
7. Share your results with High Country Gardens! Use #highcountrygardens on your social media posts to share your story, or send us your photos. 

High Country Gardens does not provide the rebate - we are your source for expert advice and how-to guides, garden design inspiration, and premium plants shipped right to your door. Visit our Waterwise Learning Center for resources!

Austin, TX Area Programs

Apply for a rebate through Austin Water, including rebate programs for residential and commercial landscapes. Available rebates may include waterwise landscaping, garden tools, rain gardens, and rainwater harvesting. Visit their website to apply.

San Antonio, TX Area Programs

 Apply for a rebate through Garden Style San Antonio, a program of the San Antonio Water System. Available rebates may include irrigation design rebates and outdoor living rebates. Visit their website to apply.