Deep, infrequent watering

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Hi all,

The conventional wisdom among waterwise gardeners is that deep, infrequent watering is the most efficient use of water, and that plants will grow deeper roots and become more drought-tolerant as a result.

Is this true?  

I water most sections of our garden once a week for about 30 minutes (in delayed intervals to avoid runoff).  I look around, though, and see other gardens with mediterranean-climate plants that are watered 10 minutes three times a week, presumably using the same amount of water.  I have to confess these gardens often look fresher than mine, especially now at the end of the dry season.

Any thoughts?

-Ben Armentrout-Wiswall

Simi Valley, inland southern California