Since we've had a very mild winter, everyone here is paranoid about having a hot dry summer. As with most areas, we've had prolonged periods of drought before, so we really have not excuse for not being prepared, at least in the garden. I will water my vegetable garden, if it comes to that, but I'm not big on watering flowers, when water is scarce. I prefer flowers that can handle whatever weather comes their way - hot and dry or cool and damp.
That's the idea behind xeriscaping or waterwise gardening, being able to handle both extremes. Xeriscaping involves choosing plants that are appropriate to their site and creating a landscape that can be maintained with little supplemental watering. The real beauty of xeriscaping is that by choosing and maintaining your plants wisely, they'll survive both drought and mud. There are many plants that aren't often listed as drought tolerant, but once established, they can withstand the heat better than many gardeners. Here's my Top 10 plants for dry spells. Let me know yours.
Photo: © Marie Iannotti.
Comments
Marie – Thank you for writing this! It’s been downright balmy most of the winter here in Michigan, and we’re really wondering what the summer will bring. This is really thinking ahead!!! (Actually it’s already March, it’s perfect timing!)
I can’t believe it’s almost March!
Balmy is one of my favorite words. I love that it has 2 such disparate meanings and I think they both apply to this winter’s weather.
Hi Marie – I just was messaging with a gardener in Sydney, Australia, where their summer ends tomorrow! She said it’s been a WET, COOL summer there! Hard to believe, isn’t it? I wonder what our summer will be like??? Cheers!
Their summer is over already? How did that happen? We’re down to 21 days (just 3 weeks) until spring.
I’m glad they didn’t have a drought, but I look forward to heat, even if it’s humid.
I have a question and I believe that plants that are drought tolerate also like the heat like the Joshua Tree? Many seem to carry both characteristics. I have two to add to your list and both are edible. I think as far as a vegetable goes Asparagus is top of the list. It sends it roots down way deep to escape the heat and once established can survive on little to no extra water except the rain. I will only water my asparagus once or twice a year the rest of the year it lives on the little rain we get. The other is the herb Rosemary. It will not take the colds of some climates but if your climate will allow it is one of the best.
Yes, I believe most drought tolerant plants are heat lovers. And you’re right, the key to their survival is establishing a strong and/or deep root system before the drought. Asparagus is a great example.
Rosemary plants in the ground are also drought tolerant, but anyone growing them in pots needs to keep them watered or they’ll start dropping needles. No matter how large the pot, they always dry out.