Eco-friendly gardening is all about working with nature, not against it. The design can take on many looks depending on the site you have in mind. A wetland area will look different, for instance, than a miniature grassland prairie. The ideal eco-garden is made up of native species, and often becomes habitat for birds and butterflies. Many homeowners are looking to compliment portions of their landscapes with water sipping plants that thrive in low water conditions. Planting a drought tolerant landscape is a smart move it will educe your water bill while still enjoying the beauty of your landscape.
Tips For Drought Tolerant Garden
Before you get started with the process of designing a garden, it’s crucial to understand the conditions of the land where you are going to plant. First, figuring out what “plant zone” you are in will help you find out what plants will do well in your garden. Look for plants with adaptations that help them conserve water. These include fleshy or wiry stems, small or finely divided leaves, hairy or furry leaves, and/or leaves with waxy coatings that retain moisture. Drought tolerant doesn’t mean no water. It means plants can survive with little water, but it doesn’t mean they will necessarily thrive. Even if you are planting natives or low-water plants they need water while their roots are establishing, and then you can back off and water less.
Midwest Plant Picks
In the Midwest the climate is prone to dry spells alternating with thunderstorms. Sometimes even high winds. Plants must endure extremes temperatures.
- Perennial Plants: St. John’s Wort, Coneflower, Jerusalem Artichoke, Day Lily, Goldenaster, and ornaments grasses like Pampas Grass, Oriental Fountain Grass and ‘Elijah Blue’ Grass
- Shrubs: Lilac, Forsythia, Serviceberry
- Trees: Green Ash, Hackberry, Gingko, Bur Oak
Southeast Plant Picks
The southeast region: Alabama (AL),Florida (FL),Georgia (GA).Kentucky (KY),Mississippi (MS).North Carolina (NC).South Carolina (SC). Tennessee (TN) boasts a warm climate that is typically wet and humid. Prolonged drought is unusual here, but going with drought-tolerant plants can save the Southern gardener money on irrigation costs.
- Perennial Plants: Butterfly Weed, Joe Pye Weed, Baby’s Breath
- Shrubs: American Holly, Chaste Tree, Hydrangea
- Trees: American Smoke Tree, Mimosa, Loblolly Pine, Live Oak
Drought Tolerant Plants for All Regions
There are a few kinds of low-water landscape plants that seem to do well almost anywhere. Some perennials are, prickly pear, sedum, daylily, coneflowers and ornamental grasses. Some Annuals are, Poppy, moss rose, marigolds and wax begonias.
If you have heavy clay soil you might consider adding raised beds and/or talking to your landscape professional about soil amendments and/or drainage solutions. Of course all of these are just suggestions, there are many more beautiful water efficient plant selections. Speaking with a local landscape expert is your best bet for finding the drought tolerant plants that will best suit your property.
If you believe that your residential or commercial landscaping is suffering because you or other company doesn’t really know what they are doing, contact the professionals at A&A right away. We have years of experience with residential and commercial lawns and landscaping.
Contact Us (859-384-0266) for a Free Consultation!
—
About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.