I don’t think there was a single gardener in Alabama in 2007 who did not have to deal with some type of watering restrictions—whether it was an outright ban on outside watering or restricting water use to specific days of the week. This year, a lot of the gardeners I have talked to are hopeful for more normal rainfall this summer, but they are not betting on it. Most of these folks are choosing more annuals that tolerate dryer conditions.
When Dr. Raymond Kessler visited with us on Backyard Wisdom recently, he said that as a general rule plants with small, leathery, grassy or succulent leaves as well as those with grey or hairy leaves will tolerate dryer conditions. He shared a number of his favorites that type of conditions.
Good drought tolerant annuals for Alabama include:
• Marguerite daisy
• Ornamental peppers
• Spiderflower (Cleome)
• Blanket flower (Gaillardia)
• Treasure flower (Gazania)
• Strawflower
• Medallion flower (Melampodium)
• Portulaca
• Purslane
• Mealy cup sage
• Dusty miller
• Verbena
• Creeping zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia)
• Mexican creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens)
• Zinnia—Profusion series (Zinnia elegans Profusion)
It seems rain has been falling a little more frequently around Alabama recently. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows currently that none of the state is still in an exceptional drought. That’s the good news. The bad news is that more than 75 percent of the state is experiencing some type of drought---ranging from only abnormally dry to extreme drought.
For those of us who love a yard filled with flowers all spring and summer, a drought is the cruelest of all jokes. But there are ways to enjoy flowers without running afoul of your local water authority.
Recently, Dr. Raymond Kessler visited with me on Backyard Wisdom to talk about being a water wise gardener.
He said that bed preparation is critical. Loose, loamy soils filled with organic matter will retain water better while still providing those critical spaces for air.
Next, mulch as deeply as possible. Dr. Kessler said that it takes at least three inches of mulch to ensure the least amount of water loss to evaporation.
Water when needed but do so at optimal times such as early morning or late afternoons. If possible, use drip irrigation to put water where it is needed.
Just as important, do not forget to weed. Weeds consume valuable water that your more desirable plants need.
In my next blog entry, we will talk about choosing water wise plants for your gardens.