Borrow a usage meter from the library to determine how much water you currently consume.
Keep current on water restrictions and drought updates from Austin Water.
Follow this guide to create a rain garden in six steps: Earth-wise Guide to Rain Gardens (PDF)
Let Texas A&M teach you how to collect and use rainwater: Rainwater Harvesting Guide
It's always the right time to inspire yourself with a visit to one of the most fabulous places in Texas.
Find more information about this gorgeous botanical garden and arboretum at Wildflower.org.
Celebrate Texas Native
Plants Year Round
COA's Grow Green Page–Plant guides, landscape design templates, maps to demonstration gardens and more.
COA's Native and Adapted Landscape Plants–An earthwise guide to Central Texas gardening with an online search tool.
Contemporary Design: Landscaping to Protect and Conserve Austin's Water–Gardening tips and an introduction to City Hall's demonstration garden from the Watershed Protection Department.
Howson Library Demonstration Garden–Redesigned “green” landscape that shows how a yard can be attractive and water-conscious while still maintaining the feel of a traditional garden.
Planting Wildflowers–A guide from the Texas Department of Transportation.
Zilker Botanical Garden–Dedicated to promoting horticultural education and a love of gardening among people of all ages.
Central Texas Gardener–A weekly KLRU show that helps viewers "pick drought-tough plants for wildlife, fill up your kitchen with fresh food, and enrich your soul with artistic designs and homegrown philosophy from hands-on gardeners."
Teaching Garden Tours and Field Trips–From the Sustainable Food Center. Demonstrates gardening techniques that are well suited to Central Texas. Hosted on City of Austin parkland, this garden is always open for self-guided visits as well.
Travis County Master Gardeners' Program–The volunteer service arm of the Travis County Agrilife Extension Service, assisting in its mission to disseminate research-based horticultural and environmental knowledge among the citizens of Central Texas.
TreeFolks–A nonprofit organization dedicated to community building, reforestation, forestry education and growing the urban forest through consulting and free tree giveaways throughout town, in partnership with the City of Austin.
Backyard Habitat Certification–Apply to Texas Parks & Wildlife to recognize your sustainable garden.
Bat Conservation International–Supports the world’s bats and their ecosystems to ensure a healthy planet.
Chimney Swift Conservation Association–Learn to lend your flue to families of chimney swifts.
Deer-proof landscape plants–Handy tips from Texas A&M
Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory–Promotes the study and understanding of birds in Central Texas.
Provides educational exhibits and activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment.
