These are some tips from Better Homes and Gardens magazine featuring ideas on how to landscape your yard in order to get the most energy efficiency. 

Build a pergola, ramada (shade shelter open on three sides), awning or other shade-giving structure on the west side of your house.  It's an attractive way to filter light during the hottest part of the day.

Position porches, decks and patios on the east side of your home.  They'll become an ideal gathering spot because of their early morning warmth without becoming like a sauna during the late-day heat.  Try adding a shade tree.

Think about your ground covers.  Light- colored stone or granite mulch and concrete will reflcet more heat, making things hotter.  Darker stone and chips will absorb the heat.

Place trees to shield yur windows, especially those on the south and west sides from direct sun.  Deciduous trees are a great option as they block sun during the hot weather and allow sunlight during the cooler seasons.

Water features are cooling both physically and psychologically.  A large pond upwind will noticeably cool the air of your whole landscape.

Article used from Better Homes and Gardens magazine (www.bhg.com)