Lawns: a sprinkler system is generally the better fit. Rotors or spray heads provide even coverage across open turf areas. The key is selecting the right nozzle and spray pattern so the system waters the grass efficiently without overspraying hardscape or nearby planting areas.

Beds: drip irrigation is usually the better choice. It delivers water directly to the root zone, reduces evaporation, keeps foliage drier, and is less expensive to install than a sprinkler system. It is also easier to lay out around shrubs, flowers, and vegetable beds because it uses flexible tubing and simple connections rather than buried heads and pipes. The labor involved is minimal as well.

A drip system typically includes a water source connection, sometimes a backflow preventer, filter, pressure regulator, main tubing, dripline or emitters, and a controller. 

A sprinkler system usually includes a controller, valves, underground piping, sprinkler heads, risers, and a backflow preventer.

In general, drip irrigation is usually the more cost-effective option if the area is mostly planting beds. A sprinkler system makes more sense for larger lawn areas that need broad, uniform coverage.

In either case, an irrigation controller is an important part of the system. It improves consistency, reduces water waste, and makes the irrigation easier to manage over time.