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I have been a garden enthusiast since I was a child, working beside my mom in our garden was always fun for me. My maternal grandmother used to say she thought we picked up our love of gardening from her mother, my great grandmother. I’m passing my joy for the garden to my granddaughter(s). {Olivia loves working in the garden with grandma, Fae, at 6 months is still young but I hold great hope she will have fun too}.
Olivia and I planted these petunias on her last visit in March. They have really taken off, it’s been fun sending her pics of the flowers as they’ve grown.
Long time readers may remember that a friend and I had a small gardening business for many years. Cottage and English gardens were are speciality. I still love boxwood borders, roses, lavender, penstemon, camellias, all varieties of perennials. Borders of primrose, pansy or violas in the cooler months and impatiens or lobelia in the warmer months were icing on the garden cake. Seasonal bulbs and other plants that catch my eye at the nursery are also welcome.
Changes may be coming to our garden. We are in the 4th year of a severe drought. Many, who study such things, say this has happened before. I remember! Having lived in SoCal all but 2 years of my entire life I can remember carefully cutting back on water usage indoors so that I felt less guilt watering my garden.
I have a neighbor who has taken advantage of our water district’s rebate plan. If you remove grass and replace it with drought tolerant plants, they will reimburse a certain amount of money per square foot. Our water bill is calculated using a tiered plan. If you go over the amount of water usage they have calculated for your lot, you are charged a premium, each tier (overage) raising your rates higher.
Below is a recent pic I took of my neighbor’s yard. There seems to be several plants in bloom each month of the year. The plan she’s installed is thriving and looks good.
Here’s my issue. I don’t think I’ll be happy with xeriscape, and budget constraints insist I stay the course. I simply need to think “drought tolerant” when I buy new or replacement items. I’ve started a list of plants that will be happy in my garden and crave less water. This is only the beginning…I hope to learn more throughout this season and into Fall. I’ll keep you posted.
For a starter list I visited the Sunset Magazine hit list of drought tolerant plants. I was surprised and pleased to see that for my particular zone ZONE 24: Marine influence along the Southern California coast [as the crow flies we are about 6 miles from the ocean, but there is a ridge of hills blocking us from the full blown coastal influence], I can grow some of the same plants I currently have, in some cases certain varieties are stronger against drought than others, but it’s an easy fix. Such as: Lavandula multifida [a variety of lavender, common name ‘Spanish Eyes’] that will grow 3′ wide.
This was growing in and among the roses last year. I unsuccessfully transplanted it, so I will have to buy another few for the garden this year.
Another plant that caught my eye off the Sunset list: Salvia Clevelandii [common name ‘Winifred Gilman’] This beauty really doesn’t want it’s feet to be wet so it must be planted in well drained soil or even on an embankment (we don’t have an embankment, but we do have one sunny spot in the back yard that drains very quickly). You can order this plant from Annie’s Annuals.
There seems to be a recurring theme of purple…I guess I’ll have to search out alternate colors to mix things up a bit. Next on my watch list is: Agastache rugosa [there are a wide array of plants in the species and in a variety of colors] The plant is know for attracting hummingbirds. All good by me! 🙂
Since this post is already longer than most, I’ll share one more plant that looked promising: Nassella tenuissima [common name ‘Mexican Feathergrass’] This grass seems to blend beautifully with other blooming plants and I may need to try some proven winners in this drought condition.
If you would like to check out Sunset’s list visit HERE. Otherwise, maybe I’ll just do this:
I’d try showering less time each day, but I don’t think that would be nearly as much fun as the Champagne idea!
Garden, Home & Party 
Jayne on Weed Street said:
It is hard to give up a lush and gorgeous garden dependent on rain and water usage! We have plenty of rain, but the heat and strong sun in Georgia make it difficult to garden with some of my favorite North East plants…good bye delphinium! But I am coming to love some of the plants that can do with little rain and stand up to heat! I’ll be watching to see what you choose for your drought tolerant list – can’t wait!
Karen B. said:
Jayne, I’m determined to be open minded and introduce a few new drought tolerant plants this spring and summer to the garden. Just watering less requires altering my routine, and my thinking, but I know it will beat the alternative. (I love delphinium too). xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 5:10 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra @ 5th and state said:
as yes, english cottage gardens, used to be my speciality in the beginning too. but oh the water usage……will be a tough change but perhaps plant by plant here and there will ease the pain.
did not realize there was a zone 24, we are 5!!!!
keep us posted karen, cannot imagine the depth of this drought
Karen B. said:
Debra, Yes, I am technically zone 9 but Sunset has divided each state into micro climate areas and there are something like 30 zones! It makes sense since the slight change in elevation can alter the highs and lows. I’m looking at this change as an opportunity to meet some new varieties of plants. [?] xo Karen
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 5:36 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
Wow. Four years is a lot of drought! I’m impressed with CA govt truly trying to encourage people to get rid of grass by actually providing financial incentives (although who knows if it’s any significant money?)
I wish the food-not-lawns movement would get the same treatment from townships! Grass really is sort of a ridiculous use of space a lot of the time!
Karen B. said:
I agree. If we could afford it I’d be tempted to convert our small amount of grass to the fake stuff that looks real and requires on water. Unfortunately, they charge as though they are installing priceless carpeting. I’m looking forward to finding some plants that are happy without gallons of water weekly to keep them thriving. Karen
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 8:32 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
This is great information, Karen, thank you. Now I know I’m zone 18- appropriately dusty gray/brown on the map, unlike your green 24. 🙂 I’ve had success with the Spanish Eyes lavender– love the idea of putting it around the roses. I’m going to keep your post as a reference when we need to make some changes. Not quite ready to xeriscape either, although I know it can be quite pretty.
Karen B. said:
Vicki, I’m planning on following this post with other drought related posts, throughout the summer, revealing the plants I find and my success/failure with them! [?] Karen
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 8:48 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Tone on Tone said:
I know your changes will be beautiful and practical, Karen. I love the look and texture of ornamental grass shrubs. And I hope California gets the rain it needs. So much of our produce comes from there.
xo
L
Karen B. said:
Loi,
I’m keeping notes on all that I find in the way of plants materials that can provide some of that same English-garden look I love, but won’t require the same volume of water. Your garden certainly looked lovely today on your site.
xo,
Karen
Lyn Bunch said:
Great post honey! Looking forwards to seeing some new stuff in the garden…and purple is my favorite color!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, sweetie, I may not need your services for watering as often if this works! [?]
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 11:37 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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leslie harris said:
Hi Karen, thanks for sharing some specific drought tolerant plants, we’ve got a blank slate in the backyard having just filled in our in-ground pool. It’s so exciting to finally have a yard to landscape although we’ve decided with the drought to forego a lawn entirely. I’m also a lover of the English garden look but I’m actively looking for ‘pretty’ drought tolerant flowers and plants right now too.
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I was surprised and pleased at the number of plants that are available for our climate and that don’t require lots and lots of water (read: drought tolerant). I didn’t want to make the jump to xeriscape even though it can be really pretty i.e. Rogers Gardens perimeter. So I’m doing some additional research on plants that can pass for “english garden” and get along with a shortage of water at the same time.
What are you putting in for the main space in your back yard? I have a friend in Laguna Niguel that put in all concrete (which sounds hideous, but isn’t) and planted tons of decorative concrete planters with perennials and such. Her yard looks very much like it could be located on the grounds of an English manor house.
xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 2:27 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie Harris said:
Oh I would love to see photos of your friend’s back yard. We’re using concrete with lots of soft scape …and of course, the hubby wants lots of palm trees hahah
Chronica Domus said:
Oh, I feel your pain Karen! Your lush garden with box is right up my alley, so to speak, so it will certainly be difficult for you, as it would be for me too, to give it up. I like your new choices, however, and I shall be checking on that Sunset list myself. Here in the San Francisco Bay area, we are experiencing the effects of drought too, but I don’t think as severely as our friends south. I shall follow with interest and intrigue as to how your new plans evolve and create yet another beautiful garden. You certainly have a green finger or two there.
Karen B. said:
CD, I am taking heart as I’ve been researching the past week or so. There are some pretty plants that hopefully will be happy in my yard and bring their own canteens. 🙂 Thank you for your kind compliment about my ability to grow things…you know I don’t share the failed attempts. Haha. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 3:04 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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msshe said:
Karen…I wish I could share some of our water. We have had sooo much water this spring. Flood warnings and schools closed due to running busses. Good luck! Yes, more champagne and fewer showers! Ha! Sheila
Sheila E http://www.mykentuckyliving.blogspot.com
apologies for strange words from auto complete …Sent from my iPad
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Karen B. said:
Sheila, It would be convenient and such a great fix if we could share various weather related surpluses. I believe the whole west coast could have used some of the buckets of snow that fell in New England this past winter. Water is always an issue in Southern California. Thanks for the offer! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 5:06 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Hi Karen! I see climate change as an exciting opportunity for a new garden design, and a great excuse to buy more plants (just like Eric buys new tools for projects)! You and I are both redesigning this year. I’m redoing a large garden out front because I just didn’t like it’s previous incarnation. Originally (two designs ago) I planted it as a Mediterranean garden, which is drought-tolerant, but a eventually a bad winter took its toll. Now I’m back to thinking “drought” again, because we will be short on water even in the Northwest. I know we’ll both have fun! (Watch that Mexican feathergrass. I love it, too, but you may have little feather babies sprouting all over in time.) –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
Thanks for the heads up on the grass. I really don’t want a plant that takes the liberty of duplicating! Like planting one innocent mint plant and somehow having mint in all corners of the yard. That was one of my first rookie mistakes. I am looking forward to trying a few new plants this summer. Good luck with your new areas of design. Let’s pray the drought doesn’t last longer than this year. Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Lyn Bunch said:
I think your plan for the back and side yards should help with our water use and the newer purple flowers will be outstanding!!
Karen B. said:
Let’s hope so! xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
A very timely post! I would agree with Victoria that it’s about time that the govt. in California took some serious steps to cut down on water usage. I have no doubt that your yard and garden will continue to look fabulous throughout the remainder of this drought. You’ll come up with wonderful drought-resistant plants that will thrive in the dry conditions.
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Linda. I wish they would spend the money they’re planning to spend on the bullet train from L.A. to Fresno, on water usage issues. xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 23, 2015 at 1:29 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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cindy hattersley said:
Karen I so enjoyed this post. My front yard is very water wise, nepeta, lavender, etc. My back garden where my roses reside is going to undergo some changes like yours. Lavender does not transplant at least I have never known it to. The lavender that grows best in my yard is hetrophylla (if you can find it). I have not had good luck with the french or the spanish. Mexican feather grass is wonderful but it does love to reseed (as long as you don’t mind). I would highly recommend nepeta and teucrium if you don’t have either. They are great border plants. I will be anxious to follow along and see how your new plants do! Loved this post!!
Karen B. said:
Cindy, This is great information and I don’t know how Nepeta missed my radar. I just read about it and will order a few of these plants for a border that I’m working on. I also like the looks of teucrium and will track that down as well. I’m continuing to compile a list of drought resistant plants that can provide the look for a cottage garden without the thirst! I’ll be doing a follow up post before summer. I have good luck with lavender, almost all varieties I’ve tried, and I will fill in with that as other perennial plants fade. It’s a new challenge but I think it will be fun. Thanks for the word on the grass, I require my plants to stay put so that one may have to come off the list. Have a great weekend, Cindy! xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 23, 2015 at 4:16 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
You are making the best of this terrible drought, Karen! Although it will be a change, I know that you will fall in love with some new ‘favorites’ this summer! The Salvia Clevelandii looks so beautiful. I think many herbs would thrive in dry conditions, too. As gardeners, we always love to learn about new plants wherever we travel. We just returned from Phoenix and were surrounded by spring blossoms everywhere we went. Very different plants than those in our Midwestern gardens, but oh-so beautiful! How are your trees surviving in this extreme drought, Karen? I look forward to learning more about drought tolerant plants as your garden grows and changes. ♡
Karen B. said:
Hi Dawn, You know, that’s how I’m looking at it. I think I had gotten complacent about plants and seemed to buy the tried and true varieties when I needed. This is forcing me to do my research and meet some new candidates. It will be fun. I’m going to try a Salvia Clevelandii and another recommended plant called Nepeta Faasenii. Wish me luck. My trees seem to be okay. We’re in a city with it’s own water district and the water table is fairly high, which can be a problem when we get too much rain, so the trees on our property are older and seem to be okay so far. We’ve really tightened up our watering practices and I’m starting to save dishwater for certain areas of the yard. (Just read that it’s okay as long as the dishwashing liquid is pure, not loaded with chemicals. I do remember loving some of the plants we’d see when visiting family in AZ. Enjoy your weekend. xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 23, 2015 at 6:31 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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trouverlesoleil said:
Hi Karen, Sounds like you are on the right track and I know whatever you come up with will be beautiful. When I was a young woman living in S. CA I lived through droughts, brush fires, and mud slides. Since moving to WA we no longer worry about the summer water supply ~ although this year we had very little snow pack so there may not be as much water in our streams. My Mom still lives in the Ventura County area and she has a huge garden and Koi pond. She is worried about the summer ahead.. she is big on succulents.
Hope you have a great weekend ahead. xxL
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I know my friend on Bainbridge is a little concerned. I’ve read some hopeful news of a possible El Nino this coming winter, but I believe they thought we would have one of those this winter. Your mom’s yard sounds wonderful. xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 23, 2015 at 9:56 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karena said:
Karen you are so smart and I understand all of the gardening companies doing drought tolerant zero-scaping (?) can hardly keep up with the business!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Artist Brad Oliphant
Karen B. said:
Karena, It’s always fun to embark on a new adventure in the garden. Keeps things interesting! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend, Karen
On Fri, Apr 24, 2015 at 9:17 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Taylor Greenwalt said:
My husband and I were just talking about this…..thanks for the tips!
Karen B. said:
I’m compiling quite a list of plants that are less thirsty than some. I’ll be doing a follow up post on the topic. Thank you, always, for stopping by. xo, Karen
On Fri, Apr 24, 2015 at 5:18 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
Karen, the drought resistant plants you showed are really pretty. If we stay in our house we’ll need to start making some major changes too. Too bad we just replaced the grass in our backyard before they started water cutbacks! I’ll be watching for future postings to help me make some much needed changes.
Karen B. said:
I’ll save the list for future reference, when you move we can refer to it! 🙂 I found some additional pretty drought resistant plants for the list. xo, Karen
On Sun, Apr 26, 2015 at 6:46 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Luisa Maria said:
LOVELY!!!
Luisa
personally selected products
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Luisa.
Karen
mydesignchic said:
I love the look of an English garden. So sorry about the severe drought you are experiencing and look forward to seeing your look – love the purple!
Karen B. said:
Wouldn’t it be great if we could borrow some rain from the east coast, and when needed you could borrow some of our plentiful sunshine? 🙂 xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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