The long dry spell we’ve had is taking a serious toll on gardens, lawns and farm fields all over the Pioneer Valley. Even my pachysandra is wilting. Every time I check the weather forecast (once or twice an hour) my hopes for rain vaporize.
Living in New England, many of us haven’t paid much attention to xeriscaping. The word comes from the Greek “xeros” meaning dry, and scape meaning view or scene. The term was coined out in Colorado, where the semi-arid climate makes gardening a challenge.
Even though the word connotes something you might do on another planet, the idea is pretty basic. It’s planning and maintaining a garden in a water-conscious way.
There are several steps that go into creating a garden that can tolerate dry heat. First is soil preparation. Soil with a good amount of organic matter allows for better water infiltration and holds water better. Add at least an inch of compost to the surface and work it in.
Sensible plant selection is, of course, critical. Plants with silver leaves such as Artemisia, nepeta, lavender and lamium are more tolerant of drought. Also plants with small leaves, such as Coreopsis and Achillea milleflorium (yarrow), fare better when the sun shines and shines.
Succulents such as Sempervivum (hens and chicks) do well in dry weather. Strawflower and Gaillarda (blanket flower) are other good choices.
Daylilies, Euphorbia, perennial geraniums and Rudbeckia also tolerate lack of rain. But remember that even xeriscape-friendly plants need some water.
Plant your thirsty plants in one place and water them together so you don’t waste water on plants that need less. If you have a spot in your garden where water collects, consider planting a rain garden. (Of course, that assumes that it rains sometimes.)
Water deeply and less frequently. When you water, do it early in the morning so that you don’t lose a lot to evaporation. You can water in the evening, too, but this tends to encourage molds and diseases that take hold in moist environments.
Invest in soaker hoses. These deliver water effectively and efficiently, without compacting the soil around the plants and without getting the foliage and flowers wet.
Keep your garden weeded so that undesirable plants don’t take up precious water. Mulch generously. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch in the form of shredded bark, pine needles, grass clippings, etc. will discourage weeds and keep the soil cool and moist. Apply the mulch after a thorough watering.
If you’re looking for a reason to reduce the size of your lawn, this is it. Grass requires lots of water. If you plant grass, look for varieties that are tolerant of dry weather.
I hope by the time this piece gets to print, we will have seen the end of this dry spell. I think this is called “climate change.”
July’s Garden Discovery program at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston will feature butterflies and caterpillars. It will take place July 13 from 10 to 11 a.m.
The program is designed for kids 3-5 years old accompanied by an adult. These hour-long adventures begin indoors with a craft and story, then head outdoors for a short walk. Go to www.towerhillbg.org to register. The program is free.
Laurel Park in Northampton will hold its annual Chautauqua Festival weekend July 15 to 17. Harking back to the Chautauqua Festivals of the late 1800s and early 1900s held there, the weekend will feature music, art and culture.
Laurel Park is a historical time capsule with lovely Carpenter Gothic cottages, beautiful gardens and pristine woodlands. The event will begin with a sing-along with Nicholas and Peter Warren on Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday will feature a number of activities, including an art show, live music, a talk by Artist-in-Residence Gary Orlinsky and fun stuff for kids. Saturday night there will be a concert in the Tabernacle.
The program will close with a slide presentation and walk highlighting the natural and cultural history of Laurel Park. All events will occur rain or shine.
For more information, go to laurelparkarts.org.
Mickey Rathbun can be reached at foxglover8@gmail.com.