Decide how large your dining table needs to be. If you frequently have a large crowd a big table is good, but if you sometimes need a more intimate setting, maybe two smaller ones would be better. You can always group them together to accommodate  more people.

Outdoor Dining Patio with Flagstone and Brick

Cooking areas need to be large enough for both food preperation and serving. Make sure heated appliances are away from circulation patterns.

Quiet Seating Area with Stained Concrete and Dark Stained Banding

Wrought Iron Dining Table Under Alumiwood Shade Structure Morgan Creek

Modern Wicker on Raised Colored Concrete Patio

Ornate Wrought Iron Dining Set on Stained Concrete

There are many ways to create a water efficient landscape that will stand up to Sacramento’s scorching summer and water isn’t the only thing you will save! Lower your outdoor water use by using the suggestions below.
Decide how much turf you need- Pets and children need a place to play but sod lawns use the majority of the water used to maintain a landscape. Opt for a smaller lawn even better, try a no mow turf. You will use less water, spend less time mowing and add a soft, natural look to your yard.
Group Plants accordingly- Use tough, heat resistant plants in the larger areas of the yard and save the spots near seating areas, view windows and doorways for the special plants that require more effort.
Upgrade or install a new irrigation system- Take advantage of new technology. Adding matched precipitation rate nozzles on spray systems can reduce water use dramatically. Strategically placed moisture sensors let your valves know when it’s time to go to work! Even more sophisticated, smart controllers use a variety of programmed information. Many water suppliers offer rebates for upgrades. Contact your water district for more information.
Add mulch and don’t over fertilize- Be generous with mulch and add compost regularly. Plants with cooler root systems use less water. When fertilizing, organics are best. They work slowly so the plants don’t sprout tender new growth that requires the plants to take up more water.

Water efficient landscapes can be colorful, comfortable spaces. Taking these simple steps will have you spending more time enjoying your yard and less time taking care of it!