I don't have a lawn either. Space for roses, lavender, iris, <strike> weeds </strike> and a few water thrifty plants.
No watering needed here this winter. The foot of snow from Saturday is melting and the stream at the edge of the property is gurgling. I'm scraping back snow, digging holes, and planting roses in the mud.
Except that the soil is completely waterlogged (and covered with snow) it's a great day to plant roses! 55F, sunny.
