Sustainable Water Management in the Built Environment: Ground Cover Plants as a Solution

Effective water management in built environments is crucial for transitioning the sector toward a sustainable, circular economy. Water use in green spaces—whether in private gardens or large-scale green infrastructure projects (e.g., urban parks, urban forests)—plays a key role in this shift. This chapter explores Xeriscaping, an extension of the circular economy in green infrastructure, focusing on water-efficient ground cover plants (GCPs) as sustainable alternatives to urban turfgrass. Drawing on a case study and experimental research, the chapter presents a comparative analysis of 18 ground cover species suitable as lawn substitutes. The findings of this study are valuable for a broad range of stakeholders involved in the planning, design, development, and maintenance of urban green spaces. The findings enhance industry practitioners’ awareness of low-maintenance, resilient plant combinations that can be effectively integrated into urban green spaces.