[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
While we enjoyed the recent rains, gardeners in North Central <\/span>Texas know that drought is a recurring character in the landscape story. <\/span>Blazing sun, dry winds and weeks without measurable rainfall test even <\/span>the most seasoned gardener. However, with thoughtful preparation <\/span>landscapes can be resilient as well as beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n In dry climates, soil is everything. Many local soils consist of <\/span>heavy clay. Clay holds water, but when it dries it becomes hard and <\/span>cracked. Less common are the area\u2019s sandy soils. They are challenging <\/span>because they drain too quickly and hold less moisture. In both cases, soil structure may be <\/span>improved by incorporating compost before planting. Organic matter helps soil to absorb and retain <\/span>water more efficiently, which benefits plant roots.<\/span><\/p>\n Additional soil improvement strategies include mulching and deep, infrequent watering. <\/span>Mulch moderates soil temperature, reduces evaporation and prevents crusting. Apply 2-3 inches of <\/span>shredded hardwood mulch atop other partially composted materials such as leaves. Deep watering <\/span>once or twice a week in the absence of rain encourages roots to grow downwards and builds <\/span>strong, drought-tolerant root systems.<\/span><\/p>\n Ironically, poor drainage is a big threat to drought tolerant plants, which generally prefer <\/span>well-drained soil. Incorporating compost into the top layers of the soil will improve its structure. <\/span>In heavy clay areas, the addition of expanded shale will increase air pockets and permeability. <\/span>Avoid planting drought-tolerant plants in low-lying areas where water collects. Also, consider <\/span>gardening in raised beds, which provide excellent well-drained environments for plants.<\/span><\/p>\n This spring, design your landscape with drought in mind. Gardens need not be sparse; <\/span>simply plan wisely. Group plants with similar water needs together. Incorporate features such as <\/span>dry creek beds that create visual interest without increasing water demand. Provide afternoon <\/span>shade for sensitive plants by using tall shrubs, trees or structures. Reduce the amount of lawn <\/span>grass, which demands the most water of any landscape, and replace it with hardscape, planting <\/span>beds, ornamental grasses, native perennials or groundcovers.<\/span><\/p>\n Efficient watering practices make a dramatic difference during drought. For example, <\/span>water early <\/span>in the morning to reduce evaporation. Use drip irrigation, which delivers water directly <\/span>to plant roots. Install rain barrels to collect runoff during storms. Check sprinkler systems for leaks <\/span>and misdirected spray. And avoid frequent, shallow watering, which weakens root systems and <\/span>increases plant stress.<\/span><\/p>\n To protect plants during extreme heat, avoid fertilizing, which stimulates tender new <\/span>growth. Delay any planting until fall. Continue mulching to keep the roots moist and cool. And <\/span>remember, even drought-tolerant plants need consistent moisture during their first growing season <\/span>while roots establish.<\/span><\/p>\n Select plants for their appearance and resilience. Consider planting drought-tolerant <\/span>bulbous plants such as iris, natives like Blackfoot daisy in dry, rocky spaces, Autumn sage (Salvia <\/span>greggii) for its ability to thrive and bloom in dry, alkaline soils, Lindheimer muhly grass for <\/span>movement, structure and graceful plumes, Texas betony for its bright red tubular flowers that <\/span>attract hummingbirds and red yucca for its succulent, evergreen nature and its brightly-colored <\/span>flower spikes. Texas tough annuals include zinnias, moss rose, gomphrena and cosmos.<\/span><\/p>\n By improving soil, selecting climate-appropriate plants, watering wisely and embracing <\/span>thoughtful design, your garden can remain colorful and inviting even through long, dry spells. <\/span>Learn to garden wisely understanding the vagaries of our Texas climate.<\/span><\/p>\n Written and Photographed by LGMG Phyllis Webster<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While we enjoyed the recent rains, gardeners in North Central Texas know that drought is a recurring character in the landscape story. Blazing sun, dry winds and weeks without measurable […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2049,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardenpatch"],"yoast_head":"\n