Extreme Gardens
Plan a drought-tolerant, fire-resistant landscape.
Photography by James R. Anderson and Brian Francis
Good To Know
Check into native plants to discover drought-tolerant beauties that thrive with little care or rainfall. Many natives unfurl nectar-rich blooms that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Natural events grabbed headlines last year as communities from coast to coast grappled with drought and wildfire. Drought destroyed crops and gardens throughout the southern regions, and fire consumed millions of acres nationwide. For water conservation purposes, as well as regulated water supplies and the threat of wildfire, many of our urban and suburban landscapes—lawns and gardens, for example—can benefit from being updated to thrive under extreme growing conditions.
To begin planning your own yard and garden’s “herb-an” renewal, you should consider potential risks. Do you live in an area prone to wildfires? Is your region presently in the grip of a prolonged drought? Or is it common for your locale to experience drought on a seasonal basis? Be realistic in your evaluation. For instance, even if you live outside the West, realize that any area where drought reigns also will be susceptible to wildfire.
After you appraise your region’s risks, it is time to determine the best ways to outfit your yard for beauty and survival. Start by embracing growing practices that are environmentally savvy. These techniques consider all aspects of landscaping, from soil preparation to plant selection, and they yield beautiful scenery that not only survives on limited rainfall but also forms an effective firebreak around your home.
Focus on Proper Plant Selection
Begin by studying your yard. Plant all selections according to light levels, soil composition, and moisture levels.
For instance, for a corner where water collects during the rainy season, choose plants that can thrive in both damp and dry soils, such as daylily (Hemerocallis selections) or bee balm (Monarda didyma). In shady spots, rely mostly on fern, lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra), brunnera, or monkey grass (Liriope selections). Drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants include penstemon, blazing star (Liatris selections), blanket flower (Gaillardia selections), and Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). For more plant choices, see the plant list at right.
No plant is truly fireproof, but you can select those that offer fire resistance with proper maintenance. Typically, fire-resistant plants have moist, supple leaves; a thick, nonpapery bark; and watery, not resinous, sap. Healthy turf also acts as an effective firebreak.
Know Your Soil and How To Amend It
For new gardens, determine your soil type with a soil test. If you’ve never tested your existing landscape’s soil, consider doing so. Your goal is to cultivate the ideal soil for the plants you’ll grow.
Many drought-tolerant plants do best in lean soils, where organic matter is low. Others demand a richer footing and will thrive only in soil rich in organic matter, which helps hold moisture near roots.
Generally, drought-tolerant plants can derive necessary fertilizer from an annual application of compost on top of soil (in a 2- to 4-inch layer). Over time, compost breaks down, feeding plants and building rich, loose soil that retains moisture.
Tailor Maintenance to the Extreme
The first year after planting, drought-tolerant plants need an inch of water per week, but once established, they rarely require moisture beyond rainfall. An exception would be, for example, a dry winter followed by a dry spring. In these conditions, water plants deeply every few weeks through spring to prepare them for summer. A 2-inch-thick layer of mulch conserves soil moisture and helps rain soak into soil better. Rock mulch is an ideal choice in high-risk wildfire areas; firebrands can ignite bark mulch.
Pests don’t pose a significant threat in drought-tolerant gardens. Most plants that are drought-tolerant feature thick, hairy, or leathery leaves, which often aren’t palatable to pests or deer.
In fire-prone areas, remove deadwood, leaves, and anything else that could fuel flames. Fire-wise principles of landscaping call for arranging fire-resistant plants in zones around your home. On the perimeter of a property, position low-growing, drought-tolerant plants in an area that’s irrigated. Near the house, grow fire-resistant plants with irrigation. Install hardscapes, such as paving, right next to the house. And avoid growing any highly flammable plants, such as juniper, ceanothus, sagebrush, or manzanita.
Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants
Create a garden filled with plants that don’t guzzle water. Look for these water-wise plants at your Lowe’s Garden Center.
Perennials
- ’Aureum’ gold moss (Sedum acre ‘Aureum’): Zones 3–8
- ’Big Ears’ lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’): Zones 4–9
- ‘Carolina Moonlight’ false indigo (Baptisia ‘Carolina Moonlight’): Zones 4–9
- common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis): Zones 5–8
- ‘Dragon’s Blood’ two-row stonecrop (Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’): Zones 4–9
- ‘Indigo Spires’ sage (Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’): Zones 7–11
- Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa): Zones 4–9
- ‘King Edward’ woolly yarrow (Achillea tomentosa ‘King Edward’): Zones 3–10
- ’Lidakense’ stonecrop (Sedum cauticola ‘Lidakense’): Zones 5–10
- ‘Limerock Ruby’ tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Limerock Ruby’): Zones 5–9
- nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii): Zones 5–8
- purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Zones 2–10
Grasses
- Gulf muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaries): Zones 6–9
- ’Hameln’ fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ’Hameln’): Zones 5–9
- ‘Morning Light’ maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’): Zones 5–9
Bulbs, Tubers, Vines
- climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris): Zones 4–7
- society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea): Zones 7–10
- tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa): Zones 8–10