Moisture is an important element in a plants growth and health. All plants need moisture, but some plants require more than others and with the recent hot dry weather and water restrictions, gardeners are looking for gardening options such as xeriscapes. Xeriscape is a style of landscape using drought tolerant plants and water conservation methods. 

A xeriscape is created from the ground up. The soil is the base for the plants to grow in and must contain organic matter to help retain moisture, provide good drainage, and be fertile to grow healthy plants. In the long run, the effort put into having a good quality soil, will pay off as it will mean fewer problems, work and water.

Plant selection is the next step. Before picking out the plants, look at the areas that are to be planted and see how much daily sun and shade it receives. Plant in groups and choose plants that have the same moisture requirements. Shaded areas such as the North side of a building will need less water than areas that are in the hot open sun all day. Hardy zone 3 perennials that grow in a dry hot area include Yarrows, Sages, Cornflower, Echinacea, Globe Thistle, Thrift, Spurge, Gaillardia, Daylilies, Iris, Liatris, Sedums, Salvia, Catmint, Wallflower Sea Hollies, Edelweiss, Creeping Phlox, Stonecrops as well as some grasses. There are fewer choices when it comes to perennials that tolerate dry shade. They are Bergenia, Goatsbeard, Goutweed (use cautiously as it spreads readily), Lady’s Mantle, Lily of the Valley, Pulmonaria, and Solomon’s Seal.

Draw up a plan of what goes where. Place the plants where you want them to go before planting them so that you can make changes. After they have been planted give them a good thorough watering. They will need to be watered periodically until they have become established. Planting in late summer/early fall when temperatures have cooled, will reduce the watering and will allow the plant to become established by the following season.

Mulches are ideal for keeping moisture in the soil, moderating soil temperatures, and keeping weeds down. Bark mulches are a good choice as it is also attractive. Ideally it should be 6-8 cm thick and refreshed every few years as it breaks down. Before putting mulch down, remove all the weeds. Rock or stone can also be used but keep in mind that they absorb the heat which may be a problem for heat sensitive plants. Rocks can be used to make beautiful dry river beds which run through the xeriscape.

Use efficient methods of irrigation. Soaker hoses or drip hoses are best as there is very little waste and the water can be directed to the plants roots, where it is needed. It will also prevent fungal diseases that are caused from moisture on the foliage. Water plants in the morning when there is less evaporation. Water deep and less often. Allow the water to soak down deep into the soil which will cause the plants roots to go down seeking the water, rather than staying on the surface where they can dry out more quickly.

Lawns require a lot of moisture to remain green. To help reduce water, lift the blade of the lawnmower so grass is kept longer, which shades the grass’s roots, keeps the soil cool, and decreases evaporation. Mow more often but cut less and leave the grass clippings on the lawn for mulch. Again, a thick layer (8-10 cm) of good quality soil that retains moisture is key to a healthy lawn. You can choose not to water the lawn and allow it to go dormant during dry spells. It will come back to life and green up after it receives moisture. An option would be to replace the lawn with low maintenance, low growing ground covers.

An added bonus to xeriscapes is that they are low maintenance once they have become established. Remove weeds as they compete for moisture and nutrients. Use a slow release fertilizer and do not over fertilize, as the plants growth will be slower during dry spells. Remove finished flowers and trim off any damaged or diseased branches, stems etc.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George

• Highway 16 West at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road