 plant tips there s more to waterwise gardening than cacti and rock the pacific northwest has many spectacular native hybrid native and other plants adapted to local climate and soil conditions once established native and adapted plants are very low maintenance require little to no pesticides or fertilizers and survive well on minimal water read below to learn more about how to choose the right plants for your yard s micro climates and soil conditions match plants with appropriate growing conditions the willamette valley including the portland metro area is rated a zone 6 plants rated for zone 6 are hardy enough to survive winter temperatures as low as 1 to 10 degrees fahrenheit plants rated a zone 8 or lower can also be planted in our area a zone 8 rating means that plants are hardy enough to survive low temperatures ranging from 29 to 13 degrees in colder weather these plants will need to be covered with mulch to protect the roots not sure what types of plants you want in your garden use our 7 basic steps for creating water efficient landscapes  pdf brochure and the waterefficient plant guide  pdf to start exploring the possibilities group plants with similar water needs different plants need different amounts of water sun and shade to survive some microclimates of your yard are probably hotter and drier or wetter and cooler than others  create watering zones in addition to your yard s microclimates look at creating watering zones within your landscape inside each zone all of the plants should have the same general watering needs  allowing you to give each plant the water it requires not too much or too little watering zones help you avoid wasting water while helping to reduce the time and effort needed to maintain your garden water to your plant s needs on average we recommend watering your lawn about an inch a week  a bit more during long hot dry spells and a bit less during the cooler spring and fall trees shrubs and perennials typically don t need water as frequently however they may require more volume at each cycle so it is best to check with your local garden center or landscape professional on your plant s specific watering needs  plants plant tips here plants plants nonturf alternative   outdoor  