For starters,think flowering annualsand perennials, cacti and succulents, or herbs and other edibles.
Just follow these tips for selecting plants that willthrive even under the harshest conditions.
Let Your Garden Go Wild
Nature is wild and it wants to stay that way.
Native to North American prairies, purple coneflowers do well when grown close together.Credit: Laurie Black
Many of these resilient plants would be just as happy to flourish in your own garden.
However, the more you’re free to mimic nature when growing strong native plants, the better.
In drier regions, however, plants growing close together may create unnecessary competition for limited water.
For example,penstemonis a drought-tolerant, flowering perennial native to North America that’s a popular garden plant.
Commonsageandthymeare far more drought-tolerant than tenderbasilorcilantro, for example.
The resulting water restrictions throughout the state meant that many residents had to rethink their thirsty green lawns.
Penstemon ‘Dark Towers’ has beautiful deep burgundy foliage contrasted with clusters of light pink flowers.Credit: Courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
But there are many more perennials, shrubs, and trees that also can go long periods without water.
Some strong plants, likerosemaryandlavender, for example, fit into this category and are even edible.
In addition to providing shade and making your landscape more interesting, trees help the environment too.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Their speedy growth also uses more water, and they pull greater amounts of nutrients from the soil.
Better choices are slower-growing trees like drought-tolerant oaks and pollinator-friendlylindens.
Gardening in an increasingly unpredictable climate doesn’t mean you have to completely revamp your landscape.
Credit: Sundaemorning/Getty Images
American linden trees can grow up to 2 feet in a year and produce plenty of nectar that’s especially attractive to honeybees.Credit: Denny Schrock
