Planting a Drought Resistant Garden

Just because you live in a dry climate or may be facing a drought season does not mean you cannot have a beautiful, flowering, and colorful garden. There are lots of hearty plants that can grow with little to no water. When most people think of growing a "dry" garden the first typical thought is to plant cactus, remove all green flowing plants, and throw down gravel. There are literally hundreds of shrubs, flowers, grasses, and perennials that can grow in the driest of weather while still providing you with the color and foliage you want. Here are some suggestions on preparing your garden for "dry" plants, some ideas on which plants to choose, and how to care for your drought tolerant plants.

Preparing Your Garden for Non-Thirsty Plants
It is possible to plant a garden that is overflowing with colors, textures, and scents while conserving water. Gardening with drought tolerant plants is very low maintenance and once you have completed the setup there is not much left to do except enjoy. The best way to prepare your garden for its new arrival of non-thirsty plants is to start from scratch. This means removing any old plants, perennials, and weeds. Secondly you will want to till the top 8-10 inches of soil before planting anything new. After tilling begin you will need to enrich the soil. Soil enrichment is absolutely essential in dry gardening considering the plants you will choose will not need much water, but they will need constant nutrition.

The soil can either be enriched with a commercial planting/potting mix, with compost, or with a mixture of the two. It is best to use a blend throughout the entire garden bed to ensure maximum nutrition for your drought tolerant plants. Try using a 50/50 planting mix blended either with compost, sand, or bark. When using sand you may only want to add about 25% sand and the rest potting mix because sand does not retain much moisture or nutrients. Bark, peat moss, and compost will retain a good amount of water and will not need as much routine care as a sand mix. If you prefer you can use only a planting/potting mix for maximum nutrition but you will need to make sure to water more often because commercial mixes tend to dry out quickly.

Researching Drought Tolerant Plants
Before buying any plants it is best to do some research and set a budget. When choosing plants for a garden it can be easy to let your spending get out of control simply by wanting too much or buying the wrong kind of plants. Before you even step foot in the local garden supply store set a budget and make it your number one priority to stick to it. Some of the more rare plants and non local plants can be pretty costly. You can save money by buying plants that already grow in your region or zone and by researching exactly what each plants needs for proper care.

The local library is a good place to begin your research. Look for books and magazines that focus on gardening to get the best information. Gardening magazines will have a lot of general information, but much of it is useful and will come in handy when you begin planting your dry garden. Books will offer more specific information. When searching the library catalog try topics like gardening in dry climates or gardening during drought seasons. When you find the right books check them out of the library and read them cover to cover. The more you know the better your garden will grow.

If you have any local gardening clubs, either at the community center, church, or nearest university look into joining one. In some places you may have to pay dues to be a part of the club but if you can afford it, or it's free there's no reason not to join. Becoming a member of a garden club will give you further access to information and help on all sorts of gardening. Before purchasing any plants read the books and magazines, take notes, set a budget, and make a list of what you want and need.

Planning and Budgeting
Because some rare plants can be expensive and buying many plants can add up quickly it is important to set a budget. Whatever you decide is a reasonable amount to spend, without breaking the bank is fine but you must stick to it. It is also wise to write up a plan of what you intend to achieve. If you can afford it work with a landscaper or horticulturist for the best results. This is not absolutely necessary, as dry gardening can be done without the help of a professional if you follow through with your research in the beginning.

Some Plants that are Resistant to Dry Climate and Droughts
There are literally hundreds of plants, shrubs, grasses, and flowers that can grow with little to no water. Here are some plants that you may want to consider planting in your dry garden.

Laurentia
Aster Nova
Phorium
Eryngium
Geranium
Bergenia
Eucalyptus
Wulfenii
Salvia Nemorosa
Haronchloa Macra
Calluna
Pennisetum Alopecuroides
Virburnum Tinus
Rugosa Roses
Cornus Alba Elegantissma
Lonicera Pileata
Juniperis Scopulorum
Epilobium
Hebe Glaucophylla
Achille Terracotta
Agapanthis
Chamaecyparis Pisifera
Helictotrichon Sempervirens
Euphorbia Characias or Martini
Gracillimus

Buying Drought Resistant Plants
Only begin to purchase plants you have researched and after you set a budget, and made a plan. It is relatively easy to let spending get out of control so be careful and watch your budget. When looking at plants to buy read the tags carefully and consider whether or not you will be able to meet its needs before purchasing. It is only a waste of money to buy a plant you like to discover it is dead in 2 or 3 weeks and needs to be replaced. If you are unsure of how to care for the plants don't be afraid to ask for help. After purchasing your plants, if you enriched the soil there should be no need to use pesticides and chemicals. It pays to be environmentally responsible and that also means not wasting water. Success can be attained with the proper research and planning. Good luck!