Ideas for a patio garden in stage 4 drought
by
DeEtte Bruce
+5
I have a 9x10 patio off my dining room with small flower bed . Would love to make this into a little retreat with lovely plants. However we are in stage 4 drought (no outside watering).I have thought of using artificial , any ideas?
5 answers
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Depending on what little maintenance you are wanting I would suggest several species of Sedum that are good for your zone. Use them in pots or planters. You can hand water to get them going. Also there are several species of ornamental grasses that add variety and movement in your area. I would use a combination of live plants in pots and grasses and even some species of bamboo which you can hand water with a watering can. Integrate some larger artificial plants around the patio for privacy and interest. Large tree types or artificial bamboo is very attractive and look very real. Using the combination of both will give you a colorful and interesting assortment for your patio area. Your local garden store or nursery should have some variety of plants that do well in your zone. Nothing can live after transplant without some water. Once established you should need very little maintenance. Good luck
Anne Elise Kinsey
on Mar 30, 2014
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Do you or can you have rain barrels? That would be another option for watering. I have 3 that even during a drought has enough water for 15 or so pots and even new plantings. For screening and background containers I would think about Zebra Grass or even Purple fountain grass. Purple Coneflowers or even Black eyed Susans (summer blooms) and Autumn Joy Sedum (for fall color). Lavendar and Russian Sage for scents. Speedwell is another purple/blue flower that is very similar to Salvia and Sage. These are just a few. You have options instead of going fake! Happy gardening
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Mar 30, 2014
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Renee,I could have rain barrels ,but unfortunately I rent and the house has no gutters . Anne thanks for the ideas I will look into Sedum.
DeEtte Bruce
on Mar 31, 2014
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The problem is that, as Anne says, even the most drought-tolerant plant needs water to get established, and I'm not sure your water restrictions will allow for that. If the restrictions are eased so that you can plant, I would highly encourage you to go native.
Douglas Hunt
on Mar 31, 2014
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Sedum is great and I have also used "Ice Plant" during droughts before. You could also use other succulents. Have watered with inside run-off or rinse water-even if a little gray from rinsing dishes etc. to get them established
Sheila D
on Mar 31, 2014
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