We're now paying the price for all those dry, balmy winter days — depleted reservoirs and wiped-out wells. Even if your community hasn't mandated restrictions, it's prudent to use water sparingly while you try to keep your backyard in bloom.

Water trees and shrubs first (they're your biggest investment), perennials second, and annuals last. Let the lawn go brown, since grass usually goes dormant during dry stretches, then renews itself when rain comes.

Buy mulch and lay it at the base of flowers, trees, and shrubs. Mulching slows evaporation and keeps roots cool.

Add compost to the garden to increase the soil's water-holding capacity.