Guest Blogger: 5 Benefits of Drought Resistant Landscaping

Guest Blogger #987, Entry #2533, June 18, 2013

Spring and summer are the seasons when people really get into landscaping. The sun shines longer, the weather is warmer and it’s the perfect time to plant new trees and flower bulbs. As a matter of fact, if there is any disadvantage to this time of year, it would be that sometimes extreme heat can lead to water droughts. When that happens, understandably, it’s not good for the all of the greenery that you’ve just invested in. Plus, it can end up costing you more money to keep your plants and flowers thriving.

That’s why we wanted to provide you with a list of five of the top benefits that come with having a drought resistant landscape design. That way, should you choose to do it, you can have a beautiful yard—even in the warmest of weather.

Drought resistant landscaping

Image via: Rick Brazil

1. Drought resistant plants can save your water bill.

Definitely, the main advantage that comes with having a drought-resistant landscape design is that you won’t need to use as much water to maintain it. This ultimately means having a lower water bill each month and when you can save money, that’s always a major bonus.

2. Learn about native plants

Sometimes, we select the kinds of plants and flowers that we put into our front and back yards simply based on how they look; however, by putting forth the effort to create a drought-resistant landscape, you’ll learn about all kinds of greenery that doesn’t need much fluids to stay beautiful. Some of these plants include Sedum, Rosularia, Jovibara, Thymus and Xeric plants.

3. Native plants are better for the environment

Something else that is really awesome about having a drought-resistant garden is that many plants that conserve water end up “assisting” other kinds of wildlife. That’s because they tend to generate edible seeds and are an ideal breeding ground for certain insects to feed their larvae.

Desert landscaping can be beneficial for your home

Image via: Bill Timmerman

4. Drought resistant plants can be beneficial to your health

Did you know that many of the plants that are used for drought-resistant landscaping are actually beneficial to your health as well? There are certain kinds that, through the years, have been turned into teas and various kinds of essential oils.

5. It is a better way to garden.

Whether you’re going to use some drought resistant grass, desert plants or some of the other options that we previously mentioned, there’s no doubt about the fact that ultimately, drought-resistant landscaping is the better way to do your gardening. Although it might initially sound like a bit of a complex endeavor, there are some basic things that you can do to achieve this goal. Make sure to cluster your plants together; this will help to keep moisture in the soil for a longer period of time. Build some raised beds so that you can tend to the soil more easily and frequently. Add some organic matter (preferably compost); this is what will fertilize the soil. Water new plants on a consistent basis only until they are firmly established; after that, water them less but do water them deeply. And finally, use some mulch to add some additional moisture to your plants; this will also help you to water less often. If you follow these steps, you should have a fabulous-looking garden that requires far less water within just a matter of weeks.

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