Planting for Heat and Drought

As we are experiencing increasingly dry and hot summers, designing gardens that can withstand periods of heat and drought has become a creative challenge. A drought-tolerant garden not only conserves water but can also be vibrant and full of seasonal interest.

The key lies in making smart plant choices, soil preparation, and design strategies that work with the climate, not against it.

1. Choose the Right Plants

The foundation of a drought-friendly garden is, unsurprisingly, drought-tolerant planting. Many of the best species come from Mediterranean and prairie climates, and they thrive on poor soils, sun, and minimal water.

A selection of plants to choose from:

- Lavender (Lavandula) – scented, pollinator-friendly

- Russian Sage (Perovskia)– airy texture, silvery foliage, long blooming period

- Stonecrop (Hylotelephium) – fleshy leaves, great for containers

- Coneflower (Echinacea) – sun-lover, long bloom 

- Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) – graceful movement in the breeze

2. Foliage First

Don’t underestimate the importance of foliage. Foliage offers long-lasting visual interest when flowers fade. Look for silver, hairy, or waxy-leaved plants which are naturally adapted to reflect heat and store water.

Combine contrasting textures, like broad-leaved plants with fine grasses. Even a combination of aromatic thymes (Thymus) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus) works.

3. Soil & Mulching

While many drought-tolerant plants prefer poor soil, it’s essential that the soil is free-draining. Clay-heavy soils can be amended with grit, composted bark, or sharp sand to improve drainage and reduce waterlogging in wet winters.

Mulching is also critical. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g. gravel, bark chips, compost) around the base of plants. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.

Avoid heavy feeding. Over-fertilising can lead to lush, thirsty growth that struggles in dry spells. Stick to low-nitrogen, slow-release feeds if needed.

4. Design for Resilience

Good garden layout supports water-saving. Group plants by their water needs together. This would avoid overwatering of the drought-tolerant plants.  

It is also important to use permeable hard landscaping. Using permeable materials like stone setts or gravel allows rainwater to reach the soil rather than drain off.

5. Watering Wisely

This is an area that is sometimes misunderstood. Plants, especially ones that are newly planted, should be watered deeply but not too often. Deep soaking of the roots helps to establish the plant better.

- Avoid daily light watering!

- Soak the roots, not the leaves!

- Aim for early morning or late evening watering to minimise evaporation.

A simple drip irrigation system or soaker hose may be a smart investment for low-maintenance gardeners.

In summary, a drought-resistant planting is not restrictive to a beautiful garden. It is important that we use any available resources wisely. With clever design choices - whether plants or materials, the garden can be vibrant, biodiverse, and as well as sustainable for the future.