Forest fires, exposed riverbeds, dry wells, and wilted plants. The last few years have been some of the hottest on record, which we have all experienced first-hand. This was more than a headline on the news. We all watched the sky, hoping for a dark cloud, and stayed indoors to stay cool. Our camping and hiking seasons shrunk, and we used what water we had to try to keep our gardens alive.
Now, more than ever, the push to plant our gardens mindfully comes to the forefront. It’s not just about what will flower when and what (we hope) the deer won’t eat. Drought-tolerant plants are almost a necessity when it comes to garden design. They flourish when everything else has worn out and baked in the heat. They also require less of our time and resources to thrive.
At our restoration company Goldenrod & Co., my co-founder and I have found that the most drought-tolerant plants in this region are the ones native to it. They adapt better to changes in this climate because they have evolved here.
Now, don’t worry, I’m not going to go on about plants without giving you a few to try in your own yard.
When it comes to your shrub layer, northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), and sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina) come to mind. Bayberry and sweet fern provide beautiful green foliage, while witch hazel offers golden fall blooms.
As for your perennials, we have pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) with its pale grey-green foliage and white blooms, evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) which features bright yellow flowers, and strict blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium montanum) with small blue blooms.
The best part is that you can source these plants from a variety of locally owned nurseries! Changing climates are troubling, but your garden doesn’t have to suffer; we just have to adapt to the changes. Regardless of what happens around us, we have the tools to face these challenges head-on and support one another through it.
Story by Emillie Rose
Co-Founder Goldenrod & Co. info@goldenrodandco.com