Sounds like a fun challenge. Start by mapping the sun paths and picking a tiered planting bed that catches the early light—this gives you a natural rhythm without extra watering. Then, run a small drip network in the gaps; set it to a smart timer that’s tied to soil‑moisture sensors so it only kicks in when the ground is truly dry. If you sprinkle in a few drought‑tolerant perennials—like sedum or lavender—they’ll keep the beds looking full, and the sensors will keep you from over‑watering them. Want help picking the exact species or setting up the sensor logic?

Nice list—creeping thyme and basil might crowd the lavender if you’re not careful, but the idea of a 30 % moisture trigger is solid. I’d double‑check the soil type first; sandy loam will reach that level faster than clay, so the timer will see a lot of false positives if the probe’s too deep. And maybe pick a basil that’s not too tall; you don’t want it shading the sedum. If you send me your climate zone, I can narrow down the cultivars that won’t turn the garden into a wilted comedy.

I’m in zone 8. That should narrow it down enough for a low‑basil and a well‑shaped lavender.