gardendude's Blog

Change in the air for next spring
Jul 3, 2008 | 4:27 PM PST
Some big changes may be on the way for next spring, if the La Nina weather pattern that has been keeping much of the southeast in a drought continues next year. Some of the plants in my garden are fussing about the lack of moisture in the ground. Even some of the more drought tolerant ones like Blanket flower, coneflower, and the Shasta daisies are looking tired and thirsty more frequently. Its getting exhausting having to run out there and give them all a deep watering, especially considering how big the garden is now. It now takes roughly 45 minutes to give everything a good, deep watering. With my work schedule, I don't often have the time to do that. SO....with that said, I may be looking at replacing a few shrubs and perennials. Don't know which ones I'll swap out yet or what I'll replace them with, but I do know that I'll be replacing one of them with another Butterfly bush, the only plant in my garden that has never been phased by heat and drought and has never required a watering since it's first season in the ground. Some other heat and drought-hardy options for consideration include (based on my my experience with them): more Knockout roses, nandina, sedum, another rose of sharon, or some more day lillies. Or maybe start a new section for succulents and cactus.The plants I just mentioned above I have rarely, if ever, had to water more than once or twice a week, even during these dry spells.