Creating a landscape that is inexpensive and requires little watering or maintenance is not that complicated. You can remove the sod on your property and replace it with shrubs and perennials that are native to Alberta which means your plants will be hardy, require little water, and will survive Calgary's unpredictable weather. Adding different types of mulches such as cedar or bark mulch can help keep the moisture in and the weeds down on your gardens. Using different features such as large boulders or wood can add texture and shape to your landscaping and help provide shelter or snow fences in your garden in the winter time. These built up snow areas will give the plants beneath it a better chance for survival. Alternative landscaping does not have to be extravagant or expensive and can instead be natural and simple. Check out our perfect perennials page for some great perennials to grow in your garden. You can also visit our trees Calgary page to view trees that grow well here. Watch this alternative landscaping video from the City of Calgary for more.