Plants and Flowers in Landscaping Sunny Areas

Homeowners living in areas with lots of direct sunshine, low humidity, and water restrictions may believe gardening is out of their reach. It is true that many plants are not capable of thriving in an area with strict water restrictions. Often these municipalities require that existing gardens be watered only once or twice per month, and even then only on certain days. If one misses a day, one must wait until the next watering date?that's a lot of pressure! Fortunately, there are many plants that perform well with lots of sun and not much else.

Those interested in boosting the drought tolerance of their gardens would do well to first consider desert plants. They have naturally evolved to be extraordinarily stingy with their water reserves. In many cases, homeowners must be more careful about overwatering?too much water can induce rot in these plants quite easily. These plants are called 'succulents,? with the most well-known example being the cactus. Succulents often have compact spherical or columnar shapes?certainly an uncommon sight in most gardens. Their surfaces are frequently waxy or covered in spines to reduce water loss and harbor any excess moisture in their environment. The cuticle (skin) of such plants also tends to be quite strong. Some succulents even produce vibrant blossoms. Most succulents and other low-water maintenance plants require a well-draining soil. Consider planting in the side of a hill rather than in a flat flower bed to reduce the possibility of rot.

DIY landscapers who are in need of groundcover and bushes may wish to try their hand with Lamb's Ear and Longwood Blue Bluebeard. Foliage tinged with silver and bluish-purple blossoms will make a handsome addition to any garden. These plants as well as succulents also do well in rock gardens, which are great options for homeowners with very strict water restrictions. Local stones may be used in conjunction with drainage tile to create beds of stone capable of hosting many plants. Some landscapers choose instead to leave the rock garden free of plant life, placing the emphasis on the color and arrangement of the stone.

Trees frequently are not given much consideration when designing a drought-tolerant landscape layout, but many varieties are quite capable of surviving moderate droughts. Some cedars, maples, sycamores, ashes, pines, and oaks all make excellent choices here. Since not all varieties of these trees are drought-tolerant, however, it is important for interested homeowners to do their research prior to planting. Once the trees attain maturity, they can offer much-needed shade in climates with a high daily proportion of sunshine.

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