 The following is a production of New Mexico State University. The term zero-escape refers to a living, man-made landscape that is appropriate to the environment in which it's constructed. Besides conserving water, use of the seven zero-escape principles results in development of a successful garden. The seven zero-escape principles are planning and design to assure that the garden is not a hodgepodge and inefficient. Efficient irrigation does not occur by accident. Mulch is a covering over the soil to serve several purposes, including water conservation. Soil preparation helps gardeners succeed in southwestern soils. Appropriate turf means the use of the right grass in the right place. Appropriate plants are those best adapted to the southwestern environment. Appropriate maintenance assures that the plants are properly cared for in the landscape. Southwest yard and garden toured zero-escapes throughout the southwest that illustrated the application of these seven principles. The preceding was a production of New Mexico State University. The views and opinions in this program are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the NMSU Board of Regents.