As we all work together to conserve water this summer, it is probably time to say goodbye to your thirsty perennials and annuals.

Don’t despair. Succulents offer an equally beautiful alternative and are well suited for a dry summer season. With more than 10,000 varieties to choose from, you can select a combination that will please the eye while helping our community reach our water conservation goals.

Succulents come in a variety of colors. Mostly shades of green, but also orange, red, maroon, yellow, even black. Depending on the amount of sun they get, their colors can brighten. Don’t be afraid to move them around if they are in pots and looking sad or faded.

They can also be planted directly into the ground, though, and spread over time if you have a big bare spot to fill in.

Succulents come in various shapes. My favorites are those that look like rosettes. Others look like they belong under the sea.

Succulents are by nature fleshy, retaining water in their thick leaves and stems to weather droughts. The aloe looks like a fan. But some appear delicate. String of pearls, for instance, and string of bananas, are both perfect for hanging pots.

Or you can buy wall pockets to hang on a fence or wall and stuff them with succulents for a modern vibe.

If you’re going to give these gems a try, just be sure to buy some succulent planting mix, which is sandier for better drainage.

The best bonus of growing succulents: Just break off a piece, stick it in some soil and – voila – you’ve got another succulent.

Shop for succulents and get planting advice in Irvine at Armstrong Garden Center in Culver Plaza, Home Depot at Woodbury Town Center and OC Succulents at 3350 Warner Ave.

Here are four beautiful succulents to consider for your outdoor living space.  Each has an interesting color or leaf shape and can be purchased in local nurseries.

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In response to drought conditions, the governor may soon call for additional steps to reduce water use statewide. Irvine has a proud history of using water wisely, which is one big reason the local water situation remains secure.

Irvine pioneered recycled water in the 1960s. It even invented the purple- colored pipe to distinguish recycled from drinking water supplies.

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