Over the next few weeks this space will serve as your step-by-step guide to transforming your drought-ravaged landscape into a Texas-tough, water-saving landscape.

To help jump-start your efforts, SAWS is offering rebates – for a limited time – for converting turf grass to mulched beds or pervious hardscape, as well as for irrigation system redesigns. Additionally, you'll be able to take advantage of our ongoing WaterSaver Landscape rebate program for potential rebate totals of more than $900.

First things first, develop a plan. For many, especially those of us who are not great at sketching, this is the hardest part. It helps to not view your plan as an unchangeable document. The details of your plan will likely change many times before you're done. Of course, if you love gardening you will never truly be finished anyway. And that's OK, too.

A well-thought-out plan makes you think before you act – helping you avoid impulse buys, and identify financial resources you'll need to carry out your goals. Also, if you're converting an existing landscape, having a plan allows you to tackle your yard in stages.

This week's assignment: brainstorm about how you and your family want to use your yard. Do you need turf for a play area or for pets? Do you want to attract birds and butterflies? Incorporate a space for a vegetable garden or entertaining? Do you prefer a manicured look or something more random? Write down your answers.

Then, visualize your new landscape. Use garden hoses to outline areas that could be converted from grass to mulched beds or hardscapes such as a deck or new patio area.

Dana Nichols is the outdoor conservation manager for San Antonio Water System.