Is there a way to design it so that zones are created for non-lawn planting beds, vegetable gardens, etc, that almsot serve as an extended spigot to only be used on an as-needed basis? Say you have a planting bed that normally thrives on natural rainfall, but want the ability to hook up a soaker hose close to or in the bed itself or sprinkler AS NEEDED without dragging 100 feet of hose across your property...can that be done?

Sure. I am assuming you do not need it to be automatic. Since I don't know the length you are talking about, just run a length of 1" pvc pipe to just before the garden area and create a standpipe with a hose bib(faucet) fitting at the end. Encase the bottom 90 degree bend in a concrete anchor block and the 1" line should strong enough to handle the hose pull stresses. To make it automatic, just place a hose bib timer at the faucet end or a wired valve any where along the line. Always use a vacuum breaker at the stsndpipe end. JMHO. Aloha