The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
Xeriscape gardening is gaining popularity as we face climate changes that affect rainfall amounts.
There are many options for choosing plants to help you create gorgeous, dynamic xeriscape gardens.
Rocks that are fitted closely together allow moisture to stay in place and evaporate more slowly.
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
The solution:succulents!
They do need plenty of sun.
Terra cotta pots are perfect as they help retain some moisture and the color is a true garden neutral.
Peg Aloi
But you’re free to choose clay, ceramic, or resin pots of any style you wish.
Being able to move pots around allows you to have maximum freedom for designing your garden space.
There are English and French varieties; check the hardiness zones for winter survival.
mksucculents / Instagram
Saxon Holt of Gardening Gone Wild recommends it for California gardens.
Many gardeners like lavender as an annual, but it will perennialize with some effort.
Prune it back at the end of the season to promote new growth.
townplacegarden / Instagram
Cottage Gardens
ali_mentesh / Instagram
Cottage garden designsand xeriscaping are surprisingly compatible.
Deadheading spent blooms helps the flowers conserve moisture and encourages a second round of bloom.
Drought-Tolerant Perennial Plantings for Pollinators
thesmartfarm / Instagram
Many gardeners are concerned about helping pollinators these days.
ali_mentesh / Instagram
Bee balm, true to its name, attracts honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in droves.
It has an herby, minty fragrance.
Drought-Tolerant Annuals
gardenersofig / Instagram
Annuals need constant watering, right?
thesmartfarm / Instagram
There are plenty of gorgeous annuals that do just fine with minimal watering.
Natural mulch like cedar is effective for keeping insects away.
Unlike dyed mulches, it decays fairly quickly, enriching soil over time.
gardenersofig / Instagram
It may increase the acidity of your soil slightly.
Woodland Shade Gardens
mciandella / Instagram
Shade gardens can be worry-free zones for the water-conscious gardener.
Lawn Alternatives
themoosegarden / Instagram
Green lawn maintenance is a thirsty business.
lifesagarden_dig_it / Instagram
There’s a reason why areas prone to drought aremoving away from lawnsas the landscape focus.
Eliminating your lawn need not mean everything has to be a manicured flower bed.
This method can also lend a dynamic aesthetic to your garden, especially if you use bold color themes.
mciandella / Instagram
you’re free to plant them in containers for flexibility.
There are many styles of pavers available, both natural and manufactured.
This also allows beneficial insects and microbes to permeate your soil, creating a healthy environment for your garden.
themoosegarden / Instagram
staciecrooksgardens / Instagram
juliewitmergardens / Instagram
willowtreehill19 / Instagram