by Glory Lennon

Created on: February 20, 2011   Last Updated: February 21, 2011

Landscaping in dry conditions can be quite the challenge, but learning how to do it using some imaginative steps is well worth the trouble. A dry landscape can result from either lack of rain, too much blistering sun and/or poor soil. Any one of these conditions would be bad for landscaping but all three at once could be brutal, but not impossible to overcome. Let’s go over a few ways to manage them and in the process learn how to landscape properly in dry conditions.

Not enough rain

There isn’t much a gardener can do about the lack of rain. What can be done is to provide water to the landscape by way of a watering system, either automatic or manual. The problem with this, however, is that in regions where there is a lack of ample rain, there usually are restrictions in water usage for the garden. When the gardener is allowed to use some water for the garden he needs to water at the right time for the best water conservation. That would be in the early morning or after the sun is going down. Watering deeply is also a way to encourage plants to grow roots deep into the soil where they have a better shot at not drying out entirely when there is severe drought.

In the case of not being able to water the garden properly, getting the landscape as drought tolerant as possible is the way to go. Looking for plants, shrubs and trees which require little water would guarantee a lovely landscape. Perhaps it won’t be a very colorful one, but the garden can still be beautiful. The most drought tolerant plants tend to be those with muted greens and greyish leaves. Succulents, cacti, and those with fleshy foliage do the best in over-dry conditions, but there are also many culitvars of what used to be wildflowers and these can add much color to the landscape. Daisies, coneflowers, Columbine, Lupines and native daylilies, among others all have brilliant colored flowers and are very drought tolerant.

Super hot sun

When the sun is brutally hot, that is when shade could help the dry landscape. The best way to get shade for the dry landscape is to plant drought tolerant trees or tall shrubs. Once these grow to a good size the sun’s drying rays could be partially blocked so the soil can stay moist longer. Mulching around plants also keeps the moisture in the soil longer. Shade will shield the plants somewhat so water doesn’t evaporate too quickly from their leaves and mulch will protect the surrounding ground from the same type of evaporation. Planting garden beds against the north side of the house, which usually is slightly more shady also helps minimize the dry conditions a really hot sun can cause.

Poor soil

Sandy, rocky and/or poor soil is another cause for the dry landscape, but it’s also the easiest one to remedy. Rocky soil lends itself for a lovely rock garden which rarely require much additional water. Mulching around plants with organic materials not only keeps moisture in the soil longer and shades roots, but it also adds nutrients to the nutrient poor soil as it decomposes. Grass clipping, pine cones, marsh hay, dried up leaves and compost can all be tilled into poor soil or placed on top. Tilling organic material into sandy soil will help it retain moisture. Over time and with continual use of mulch, poor sandy or rocky soil will have no choice but to improve.

These are some of the best ways to landscape in dry conditions. The smart homeowner will try a few, but the most intelligent will do all of them and get the home landscape of their dreams as a result.

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