Whether you visit the beautiful gardens of the world when you travel, or visit them from your armchair, they have important lessons to teach. Most incorporate an array of colors, plantings native to their region, a designer’s touch and a lot of experimentation. In these changing global weather conditions, it would be wise to work with Mother Nature, rather than against her.
The World’s Gardens
If you are able to visit glorious gardens in their natural habitat, try Googling “holidays-gardens”, you will find a list of websites offering global trips for garden tours-too many to name here. If you choose to be an armchair traveller, then consider buying Monty Don’s book, “Around the World in 80 Gardens,” a splendid tour of some of the world’s most beautiful and historic offerings. (This is currently being shown on BBC’s “Gardening World” program in Britain.) And, there is the magical series on DVD called “Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn”, a stunning series of fascinating gardens from across the globe.
Re-design Your Garden with Water Use in Mind
With what appears to be haphazard and threatening global conditions nowadays, it is probably a good idea to start reshaping your garden look by replanting with drought-resistant plants. I experimented with a number of various trees, shrubs and perennials on a sun-drenched plot some years ago and most of that which I planted was quite successful, though I should add that it did receive a little regular watering. Some of those noted below will not be suitable for your particular area, I realize, but you probably already know your zone. But, if not, you can check quite easily on the internet by doing a search using the keywords “garden zones.” Knowing your zone is important so that you don’t waste time, energy and money putting something into the ground which will be battling strong odds from the beginning.
Drought Tolerant Ground Covers
As a ground cover, I used gazanias; not only did they bloom for most of the year in the Mediterranean climate, but they spread rapidly and had a gorgeous range of colors. I was astonished to find that they grew well in New England in the summer, and in ‘Old’ England, too. The ice plant family–Drosanthemum, Delosperma, Aptenia, Lampranthus, etc., makes excellent ‘carpeting’, also Thymus (Thyme) and some species of Verbena, Origanum (Oregano) and Rosmarinus (Rosemary). Try Portulaca, Juniperus (Juniper), or Lantana.
Drought Tolerant Trees
For a tree, I chose the enchanting Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) which seems to grow in diverse climates as does the Acacia, though species vary by zones with that tree. Rhus (Sumac) requires little water but, as I’ve pointed out before, grow it in a large pot if you can; the suckers it joyfully sends out will take over. Think about Robinias (Locust), Laurels, Bays, Olea (Olive), Lagerstroemia (Crape Myrtle), or even a Eucalyptus. This latter tree will grow tall if allowed to, but if pruned to a short stature regularly you will find the leaves become larger–fatter, if you like–and provide wonderful foliage for arrangements.
Drought Tolerant Shrubs
It’s amazing how many shrubs can tolerate low water conditions; they can be large, leafy, with lots of flowers, yet get by with just a little drinking. These include Lavender, of course, and Rosemary; Artemisia, Carpenteria (Bush Anemone), Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos (Manzanita), Cotinus (Smoke Tree), Cotoneaster, Cytisus (Broom), Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo), Myrtus (Myrtle), Leptospermum (Tea Tree), Plumbago, some Mahonias, Ribes (Currant) and Salvia (Sage). I once had a huge and lovely Anisodontea (Cape Mallow), and several Westringias (Coast or Australian Rosemary) which sat serenely in the sun and didn’t seem to notice whether they were watered or not.
As for perennials, annuals, vines and bulbs-such an array-you might choose Sedum (many varieties), Eschscholzia (California Poppy), Papaver (Poppy), Coreopsis, Armeria (Thrift), Achillea (Yarrow), Tanacetum, some Euphorbias, Erigeron (Fleabane), Perovskia (Russian Sage), upright Verbena, some Iris, Santolina, Sisyrinchium striatum, Solanum, Wisteria, Fallopia (Silver Lace Vine), Stachys (Lamb’s Ears), some Lobelias, Agastache, Centaurea, Echium, Agapanthus, and many more. Remember, silver-leafed plants tend to be drought hardy.
Use grasses–there are so many of them: the lovely Pennisetum, some Phormiums, many kinds of Miscanthus, some Festucas and several species of Carex. The cacti family is huge and varied and can be used either as a specimen garden, or mixed in with other plants for interest. And, for the smaller plots, verandas or decks, don’t forget epiphytes (air plants) which need hardly any water. They can be attached to rocks, broken branches, driftwood...many surfaces, and require only a little misting from time to time because they draw moisture from the air. Use pots, bowls or a sculptural part of a tree and make an intriguing presentation.
Get the edge on drought and help the environment while feeding the eye
