Strategies for Developing a Drought-Resistant Flora: 4 Key Steps to Guard Your Greenery
In the face of prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures, maintaining a vibrant garden can be a challenge. However, with some thoughtful planning and the right strategies, it's possible to create a drought-tolerant garden that thrives even during the harshest conditions.
Leigh Barnes, a gardening expert at Jacksons Fencing, and Emma Fell, the head of horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres, are two such experts who offer valuable advice for those looking to adapt their gardens to suit drier conditions.
One of the key strategies is to select plants that naturally thrive in dry conditions. Lavender, for instance, is drought-tolerant and can go a long duration without water or fertiliser. Other plants that are well-suited to dry conditions include succulents like Sedums, agave, ornamental grasses, and native perennials.
Hydrozoning, or grouping plants by similar water needs, is another effective approach. This method ensures that plants with similar requirements receive the same amount of water, reducing the overall water usage in your garden. Improving soil drainage with compost or gravel is also beneficial, as it allows water to flow more easily, reducing the risk of waterlogging.
Reducing traditional lawn areas and incorporating hardscaping elements like gravel or stepping stones can further conserve water. Mowing grass should be done carefully, avoiding removing over a third of the grass height at a time. During the summer, mowing may need to be increased to twice a week to keep on top of growth.
When it comes to watering, it's essential to water deeply but infrequently during plant establishment to encourage deep root growth. Using efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation can help minimize evaporation, and incorporating features such as rain gardens to capture runoff can further conserve water.
During water shortages, prioritizing watering for young plants, fruiting vegetables, and anything newly planted is crucial. Longer grass stems trap moisture, so it's worth keeping this in mind if there is a drought.
Rosemary, basil, and thyme are sun-loving herbs that thrive in dry soil and don't require organic matter. Bay Laurel is another dense evergreen shrub that can thrive in various conditions, including full sun and drought.
Other tips for creating a drought-tolerant garden include pruning drought-tolerant perennials annually and avoiding over-fertilizing, which can increase drought stress vulnerability. Additionally, using plants with silvery foliage, bold flowers, and varied textures enhances visual interest while promoting resilience.
Finally, installing rainwater harvesting solutions can help gardens during droughts and hosepipe bans, and can also be sustainable. A water butt can hold around 200 litres of water, sufficient for many gardens. Using rainwater instead of a hosepipe or sprinkler can significantly reduce water bills.
By following these expert tips, it's possible to create a drought-tolerant garden that not only thrives in dry conditions but also reduces water usage and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Gardening expert Leigh Barnes and head of horticulture Emma Fell suggest selecting plants like lavender, succulents, ornamental grasses, and native perennials for drought-tolerant gardens.
- Hydrozoning, grouping plants by similar water needs, reduces water usage in the garden, and improving soil drainage with compost or gravel is also beneficial.
- Reducing traditional lawn areas and incorporating hardscaping elements like gravel or stepping stones can further conserve water, and watering deeply but infrequently during plant establishment helps encourage deep root growth.
- Creating a drought-tolerant garden doesn't just mean a vibrant space, but it also involves using rainwater harvesting solutions to reduce water usage, contribute to sustainable living, and lower water bills.
