An important type of plant for all gardeners but particularly for dry climate ones, is an herbaceous perennial that fulfills a number of design functions, is easy to maintain, and consumes relatively modest amounts of water. Various ornamental varieties of asparagus, particularly those belonging to the species Asparagus densiflorus, can be placed in this category together with two related genera belonging like asparagus to the Lily family, (Liliaceae) Liriope and Ophiopogon. Let's begin with asparagus.

There are actually two main groups within A. densiflorus, which supply a number of highly versatile varieties. One is called "Sprengeri". The plants are low growing, with a kind of billowing habit. The foliage color is a medium to bright green with a fine, feathery texture. What appear to be leaves and indeed function like leaves, are in fact adapted stems known as clacodes.

Asparagus "Sprengeri" can be planted a meter apart for a dense ground cover, or in small groups as part of an herbaceous bed. Another variety is known as "Myers Asparagus". While having very similar "foliage" color and texture to the Sprengeri, it grows to about 50cm, with a kind of arching habit. Possessing a defined shape, it can be used as a low emphasis plant. Both varieties also associate well with low growing shrubs and bushes like Pittosporum tobira "Wheeler's Dwarf" and Coprosma repens.

The Turf Lilies, Liriope and Ophiopogon, are grass-like plants. Most like Liriope muscari are pretty low growing but a few varieties can reach 50 cm or so. Like the afore-mentioned types of asparagus, they are excellent in herbaceous borders because by looking good all the year round, they can "hold" a flower bed together, during the inevitable periods when annuals have to be replaced, or perennials cut down and rejuvenated. Further more, turf lily is useful in a bed of ornamental grasses, where again, some of the plants will have to cut down periodically.

Some species like Liriope spicata can also be planted as a small scale ground cover, while both Asparagus and Turf Lily associate well together in a planting scheme, and can be combined very successfully. They are also suitable for pots and containers.

All the plants are easy to maintain and care for. Occasionally, old and dry stems should be cut to the ground in order to make room for new, juvenile growth. In very hot climates, they are best grown in filtered sun or partial shade. Consequently, most species are suitable as "fillers" for planting at the foot of trees and bushes, even under plants like Bamboo which normally repel neighboring plants. With regard to watering, Asparagus, Liriope and Ophiopogon can be considered fairy modest in their demands. If grown in the shade in Mediterranean climates, irrigating to about 300mm a year should suffice, a saving of about 75% compared to lawn grasses.