The summer-dry garden as its name suggests relies on winter rain to boost the plants which can then survive the summer with minimal watering.Naturally the choice of plants for this type of garden is critical. It’s not just a case of using drought tolerant plants, but choosing native plants that are naturally drought tolerant in their area. I found a blog called Summer Dry which talks about dry gardens in California and explains how to cope with the lack of summer rain. It also has some awesome pictures showing what can be achieved in this climate.

Summer-dry gardens can be beautiful. ?The art and science of gardening is learning which plant prosper in garden settings. Many plants are meant for summer-dry climates and don?t need lots of water, though careful irrigation improves their beauty.
I do water?my own California garden in summer; and so does every farm and every garden ? all summer. ?It simply doesn?t rain. ?The irrigation water has to come from somewhere, other than a faucet.
We hope for wet winters to recharge the groundwater and to dump snow in the mountains, storing water that will fill lakes and reservoirs and keep the rivers flowing. ?Unfortunately we are in a particularly dry pattern, now in the third year of well?below average winter rain. ?Water is being rationed.
So its?use and allocation is hot political issue, but not just in California,? throughout the world. ?It is increasingly important everywhere to use water wisely and efficiently. ?For gardeners, that means the right plant in the right place.

Read the rest at Summer-Dry