Imagine a garden with vivid colors and textures that thrives with little care, even in drought conditions. If you live in an area with water restrictions in the summer months or experience less rain, it may be time to consider a drought-tolerant garden.
Global warming is causing unusual weather patterns. Long periods of drought, storms, and other events can result in a scarcity of water and other resources. To meet the needs of increasing populations, governments will respond to these challenges by imposing new conservation rules, and we often see regional hosepipe bans.
In this context, it is imperative to rethink ways of conserving water and other natural resources.
One solution is to set up a garden that can survive with less water (drought-tolerant) or no water (drought-resistant).
With some research and planning, you can transform your garden into one that needs minimal care. By choosing a variety of flowering shrubs and foliage, you can make this a self-sustaining space where you can relax.
Here are seven factors to keep in mind to make your garden more drought-tolerant:
1. Consider the weather patterns in your area
When deciding on the type of garden set up, consider the weather conditions in your area. Do you have periods of drought followed by rainy spells? What kind of soil does your site have? Find out to which plant hardiness zone or planting zone your area belongs by referring to almanac.com/what-are-plant-hardiness-zones.
Determine what plants are native to your zone. Native plants have adapted to a particular region's conditions and form part of its ecosystem. Planting trees and shrubs native to your area means they will flourish even when not watered regularly.
2. Prepare the soil
To increase the chance of plants growing well, give them an initial boost. Put down compost, organic fertilizer, garden waste, or manure. This layer acts as a protective barrier when sudden downpours follow drought conditions. The seepage of water to the subsoil is slowed down and gives the plants the water it needs.
Applying tree bark as mulch around trees helps control weeds, filter water, retain moisture, provide food, improve aeration, and make the soil less compact. Pebbles around trees also help keep out weeds and stop erosion but may give some plants too much heat and dryness. While tree bark needs replenishing, pebbles do not. Both types provide contrasting textures and colors.
Based on the plants in your garden, you can decide how to prepare the soil to give the food and moisture they need while presenting attractive contrasts.
3. Plan a layout for the garden
What are your expectations for your garden? Do you want plants that offer shade, act as windbreakers, or provide privacy? Where and what type of tree you plant can provide beauty while helping to lower energy costs.
Whether you have a small or large space, decide on its composition first. If necessary, consult a landscaping professional. While consulting fees will add to your costs, you will save money by buying only what is essential to make your garden more drought tolerant and beautiful.
Another option is to reduce your planting area by including some hard space such as rocks, pebbles, or a wooden structure. Doing so will add color and texture in your garden. Combined with the trees and flowering shrubs, it will create a relaxing environment. This pre-planning will make it easier to choose the trees, shrubs, and ground cover you need when you visit a gardening center.
4. Choose your plants
Though cacti and other succulents are good choices, drought-tolerant plants don't necessarily have to be limited to these types. Many drought-tolerant plants add depth, beauty, and contrast to your garden. A good resource relating to such plants is birdsandblooms.com/gardening/drought-tolerant-gardening/top-10-drought-tolerant-plants. Silver or grey-leaved plants which reflect sunlight or small and hairy plants which retain water are good to add variety or edge patches.
Consult persons at your plant center to find species native to your area. If you wish to create a habitat for wildlife, inquire which plants produce berries or have features that attract butterflies, bees, and birds.
5. Conserve water when watering your plants
Collecting rainwater gushing along gutters through spouts and cisterns can help divert natural, chlorine-free water to your plants. However, check with your town first, as it may restrict the use of rain-collecting receptacles.
It is also a good idea to give a good watering periodically. When plants don't get watered, their roots go deep, seeking water. Shallow watering, on the other hand, makes roots stay near the surface. Deeply watering plants occasionally helps them retain moisture. Aim to water early in the morning as water left on leaves overnight can lead to the growth of fungi.
Watering with a can, soaker hose, or drip irrigation system is a better way to direct water to where it is needed rather than using a sprinkler.
6. Re-consider having a turf lawn
If you already have a lawn in your home, carefully consider why you maintain this. Do you keep this patch of green because of its pleasing appearance? Or is it to control erosion and suppress weeds? If so, you can achieve this by replacing that expensive turf with a native variety.
When choosing a suitable ground cover, decide on its purpose. Do you require it as a space to walk or play in, to cover a slope, or edge a path? Is the area sunny or shady? Before you decide on the type of plant, consider the planting zone you live in and the condition of your soil-whether it is dry or soggy or needs amending before planting.
It's best to plant in early spring when the soil is still moist, and the ground starts warming. The plants will need watering initially but once established, will require little or no watering and less frequent mowing. Refraining from using synthetic fertilizers would help create a natural habitat for insects and other species.
Creeping thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus and T. serpyllum), Silver Carpet (Dymondia margaretae), 'Emerald Carpet' Manzanita (Arctostaphylos 'Emerald Carpet') and Miniature Brass Buttons (Leptinella gruveri) are some drought-tolerant species. Check whether they thrive in the soil conditions in your zone.
While preventing erosion and forming a tight ground cover, some plants give off a pleasing scent and withstand trampling. Choose a species that meets your requirements.
7. Other considerations
Whether you have a full-fledged drought-tolerant garden or replace some of your thirsty plants or lawn with species that can thrive in hardier conditions is up to you. Consider the cost involved, including consultancy fees.
Another factor you should consider is climate change. As the planet heats up, it is reasonable to expect more drought conditions. Planting trees is one way to mitigate this adverse effect. However, there is a need to plant trees that need less water and can survive under more adverse conditions. Thus, having a drought-tolerant garden is the environmentally correct thing to do.
Keep these ideas in mind as you research options to transform your garden or lawn into a sustainable oasis of beauty and relaxation.
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