Gardening During Severe Drought: Xeriscaping and Container Strategies

North Carolina homeowner faces second year of severe drought with water restrictions. Spring plantings burned up. Wants to salvage lawn/garden for summer appearance.

Lawn Reality Check

Traditional turf requires daily watering. Drought-tolerant grasses exist but need establishment water—impossible under restrictions.

Two Viable Strategies

1. Xeriscaping (Low-Water Landscaping)

Select trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers adapted to minimal water. Many are strikingly beautiful (aeoniums, etc.). Free plant list available via email (russelraypc@aol.com) from the expert's $4.99 vegetation guide featuring San Diego-tested species surviving on 11 inches annual rainfall.

2. Container Gardening

Clean up lawn, add hardscape (boulders, gravel, dry stream bed, benches), place strategic container groupings. Water only what needs it. Use xeriscape plants in containers too. Seasonal rotation: petunias (summer), snapdragons (fall), pansies (winter).

Both approaches work within restrictions and reduce water bills.