It never hurts to choose drought tolerant plants.
photo credit: paparutzi

Even moist climates occasionally have droughts and certain areas in any yard may be dry or have constant sun where plants with low water needs will thrive.

There is also a shortage of water in many areas so water conservation is a practice we should all use.

Drought-tolerant landscapes will need less water, which can save you a lot of money if you live in a city or town. Drought resistant plants also require less work.

Drought-tolerant plants are not just cacti. There are numerous varieties of plants that will fit well into your landscape and will add color, interest and use to your home. You will find that most native plants are drought resistant.
photo credit: dave_langlois

Planning a drought resistant garden or landscape.

Choose mainly perennials.

You not have to replace perennials every year as you do annuals and they also tend to be more drought-tolerant than lots of annuals. This is due to the fact that they more often than not have deeper roots that drink in and store water. If you chose a few annuals you may want to select annuals that will reseed from year to year.

Choose native plants.

Native plants have adapted over time to your particular growing zone and climate. They tend to be more drought-tolerant and hardier.

Choose plants that are particularly known to be drought-tolerant. A few of these plants include: daylilies, coneflowers, artemisia, and sedums.

Herbs

Herbs tend to be very versatile to many growing conditions and they have the added benefit herbal uses, which may include seasonings, crafts, fragrances or dried bouquets.
photo credit: Brianforbes37

Tips for drought conditions

Deeper and less frequent watering is best. Water for at least 20 minutes about once a week.

A rule of thumb is you want the plants to get about an inch of water. Shallow watering equals development of shallow roots.

Drip watering systems will help to conserve water.

Hand watering will direct the water directly where you want it.

Set up rain barrels on your property.

And when a drought is bad, recycle your water. Plants will not suffer from water you washed dishes in.

Check out The Gardeners Rake for an article on How to water plants during a drought

Technorati Tags: backyard design, drought resistant landscape, drought resistant plants, native plants

This entry was posted on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 9:50 pm and is filed under backyard design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.