{"id":9675,"date":"2020-01-23T03:58:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-22T17:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=9675"},"modified":"2025-10-30T21:18:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T11:18:03","slug":"drought-proof-gardening-and-the-big-dry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/2020\/01\/23\/drought-proof-gardening-and-the-big-dry\/","title":{"rendered":"Drought-Proof Gardening and the Big Dry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-PROOF-LAWN-main-Cory-Doctorow-Flickr-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Maintaining a garden while billions are forced to live without water may seem frivolous, but a green buffer around your house will keep your home cooler, Drought-Proof Gardening\" class=\"wp-image-9676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-PROOF-LAWN-main-Cory-Doctorow-Flickr-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-PROOF-LAWN-main-Cory-Doctorow-Flickr-scaled-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-PROOF-LAWN-main-Cory-Doctorow-Flickr-scaled-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Maintaining a garden while billions are forced to live without water may seem frivolous, but a green buffer around your house will keep your home cooler. (Photo: John Jennings\/Flickr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest U.N. World Water Development Report concludes that, by 2050, around three billion people could be living in \u201cseverely water-scarce areas.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dry-Gardening-Sustainable-Drought-proof-Soil\/dp\/1740459660\/ref=sr_1_1?tag=theownebuilne-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2023\/08\/Dry-Gardening.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2023\/08\/Dry-Gardening.png 1000w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2023\/08\/Dry-Gardening-768x385.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of them live in some of the poorest regions of the world. They do not need to be told about the hardships that already define their lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But in a time of unprecedented wildfires, when animals die\nof starvation and farmers in the drought-ridden areas of Australia have begun\nselling their breeding stock, it\u2019s fair to say we are catching up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-cracked-earth-Peter-Griffin-Public-Domain-Pictures.jpg\" alt=\"The latest U.N. World Water Development Report concludes that, by 2050, around three billion people could be living in \u201cseverely water-scarce areas.\u201d \" class=\"wp-image-9678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-cracked-earth-Peter-Griffin-Public-Domain-Pictures.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-cracked-earth-Peter-Griffin-Public-Domain-Pictures-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/DROUGHT-cracked-earth-Peter-Griffin-Public-Domain-Pictures-768x515.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> The latest U.N. World Water Development Report concludes that, by 2050, around <br>three billion people could be living in \u201cseverely water-scarce areas.\u201d  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Start Drought-Proof Gardening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining a garden while billions are forced to live without water may seem frivolous, but a green buffer around your house will keep your home cooler, according to Jane Canaway in an article for ABC Australia. The plants will also offer shelter and food to all manner of wildlife during the big dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One might even say that gardening helps maintain the health of the environment. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. That process is the most potent of all the natural ways that carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored on land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you live in a region with tough water restrictions or not, you can help your garden with appropriate hardware and by adjusting your habits and plant choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you haven&#8217;t yet done so, put in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B002OW4ADA?tag=theownebuilne-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"407\">water tanks<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Replace some lawn with native grasses, <a href=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/creating-a-drought-tolerant-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mulch<\/a>, pebbles, gravel paths, or other permeable surfaces. This will help to keep water from running off into stormwater drains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you have natural run-off areas, such as\nbeside driveways or on a slope, dig a mini dam or channel to slow down the\nwater. This will allow the run-off time to soak in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep adding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0785GSKJ1?tag=theownebuilne-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"408\">compost<\/a> and mulch. The more organic matter in your soil, the more water and nutrients it will hold. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A drip irrigation system is the most efficient way of getting water to plants without evaporation or waste, and a deep soak once a week is more effective than more frequent, light watering. However, if you are on extreme water restrictions, a drip system won&#8217;t provide enough water for a deep soak in just half an hour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2019\/12\/Mulch-Jamain-Wikimedia-Commons-1.jpg\" alt=\"Keep adding compost and mulch. \" class=\"wp-image-9686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/Mulch-Jamain-Wikimedia-Commons-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/Mulch-Jamain-Wikimedia-Commons-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/Mulch-Jamain-Wikimedia-Commons-1-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Keep adding compost and mulch. (Photo: Jamain\/Wikimedia Commons) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Put out water for birds. Look for a safe area\nwhere small birds can retreat under overhanging branches. A tray of wet sand is\na safe drinking station for butterflies and bees, which can drown in open\nwater.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collect water wherever you can. Redirect greywater from your washing machines or bath to your gardens. Some reverse-cycle air conditioners also produce recyclable water you can collect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Put a bucket in the shower to catch excess water flow, and in the sink to collect the cold water you run while waiting for hot water to come through, or from washing vegetables.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash your car on the nature strip or lawn if possible, to absorb the runoff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When you mow, don&#8217;t cut your lawn too short. A\ntwo-to-three centimeter cover will protect the roots and keep the soil moist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use a wetting agent to prevent soil from\nbecoming water repellent. If you don&#8217;t want to buy it, you can easily make your\nown.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use seaweed extract to stimulate plants\navailable in nurseries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you water the garden with a hose, do so in\nthe early morning or evening. This will minimize evaporation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plant in autumn. This will permit new plants the\ncooler winter to establish themselves before summer rolls in. Top End gardeners\nshould plant at the start of the wet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prioritize your watering. There may be sections\nof your garden that will survive better on less water. If possible, group all\nyour thirsty plants in one area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Water pots by standing them in a large bucket of\nwater until the bubbles stop rising.&nbsp; This\nway you know they&#8217;ve had a good soak and there is less run-off. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mulch garden beds regularly. You can lay wood\nchips, leaves, straw, or even ripped up newspapers over your soil to absorb moisture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A chopped-off milk container or empty plant pot\ncan be half-buried near trees and other big bushes and shrubs to help deliver\nany rainfall or hand-watering closer to deep roots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"599\" src=\"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons.jpg\" alt=\"Put out water for birds. \" class=\"wp-image-9682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons-624x467.jpg 624w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons-50x37.jpg 50w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons-100x75.jpg 100w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/AUSTRALIA-BIRD-BATH-Duncan-McCaskill-wikimedia-commons-600x449.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Put out water for birds. (Photo: Duncan McCaskill\/Flickr)  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant\nChoice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Replace exotic plants with local native plants.\nMany of these are already adapted to your soil and conditions. They won&#8217;t need\nas much pampering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Instead of relying on water-hungry flowers, use interesting foliage and texture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shrubs and perennial plants require less water than\nannuals. You can try growing Mediterranean, South African, and Californian\nplants that are adapted to dry summers. Just remember to always check they\naren&#8217;t listed as weeds with your local council.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many plants with swollen roots store moisture to\ncope with dry periods. Examples include clivia, bearded iris, bulbs, and the\nQueensland bottle tree.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Succulents can be tough, but some are weedy. You can grow Australian native succulents such as pigface, moonflower, different-colored portulacas, parakeelya, flame trees, and boabs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grey-leafed plants generally endure hot dry\nconditions. Westringia makes a good hedge, saltbushes are good groundcovers,\neverlasting daisies bring golden color, and Thomasia species bring a\ncottage-garden look while being tough enough to grow under gum trees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create shade with a fast-growing vine such as\nHardenbergia or wonga vine \u2014 both get quite large so you will need a solid\nstructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Native cut-leaf daisies come in pinks and\npurples and are great for edging and butterflies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many herbs thrive on dry, hot hillsides. These\ninclude thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grevillea plants are hardy. They come in prostrate form as well as shrubs and trees, and flower in whites, yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eremophilas grow in Australia&#8217;s outback. They\nthrive in hot, dry conditions. Their bird-attracting tubular flowers come in\npurples, pinks, reds, yellow, and green.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Correas bloom from autumn onwards, feeding birds and bees over the winter, forming a low shrub layer under trees. Coastal species such as Correa alba and the brightly colored cultivars bred from Correa pulchella \u2014 are particularly tough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grasses offer texture, movement, structure, and habitat for wildlife. Fill garden gaps with tall spear grass, a tussocky poa or the all-Australian favorite, kangaroo grass.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you need tough fruit trees, look to native\nquandongs, quinces, persimmon, feijoas, and pomegranates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"529\" src=\"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2019\/12\/PIGFACE-AUSTRALIA-PLANT-John-Jennings-Flickr.jpg\" alt=\"You can grow Australian native succulents such as pigface, moonflower, different-colored portulacas, parakeelya, flame trees, and boabs.\" class=\"wp-image-9688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/PIGFACE-AUSTRALIA-PLANT-John-Jennings-Flickr.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/PIGFACE-AUSTRALIA-PLANT-John-Jennings-Flickr-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/files\/2019\/12\/PIGFACE-AUSTRALIA-PLANT-John-Jennings-Flickr-768x508.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> You can grow Australian native succulents such as pigface, moonflower, different-colored portulacas, parakeelya, flame trees, and boabs. (Photo: John Jennings\/Flickr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minimizing the Effect of the Big Dry on Your Yard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drought-proof <a href=\"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2019\/11\/11\/the-basics-of-xeriscaping\/\" data-lasso-id=\"409\">landscaping<\/a> has become more popular &#8211; and even mandatory &#8211; in regions that experience little rainfall. Some local governments impose fines or offer incentives to homeowners who replace their thirsty lawns and gardens with water-wise plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When dry, hot weather settles in, it affects your landscape in a variety of ways. &nbsp;As a gardener, there&#8217;s nothing you can do to prevent a drought. But there are certainly ways you can try to help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/everyday\/how-to-drought-proof-your-garden-during-australias-big-dry\/11697636\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" data-lasso-id=\"410\">minimize<\/a> the effect of the big dry on your yard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you live in a region with tough water restrictions or not, you can help your garden with appropriate hardware and by adjusting your habits and plant choice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13557,"featured_media":9676,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Beat water restrictions and create a thriving garden in dry conditions. Discover smart tools, plant choices, and watering habits that work.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"Drought-Proof Gardening","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[{"url":"","title":"","desc":"","thumbnail":"","duration":"","rating":"","view_count":"","tag":""}],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sma_last_campaign_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10,182],"tags":[7,230,231],"class_list":["post-9675","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drought-resistant-gardens","category-tips-and-tricks","tag-drought-resistant","tag-drought-proof-gardens","tag-water-scarcity"],"modified_by":"julian","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9675","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13557"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9675"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9675\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9676"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}