How do you design a colorful FLOWERING drought tolerant garden?

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   KatyWhoWaitedposted 13 years ago

   How do you design a colorful FLOWERING drought tolerant garden?

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   megniposted 13 years ago

   That question depends on the type of soil, an available water system and the type of plants. Before you can do any designing, analyze your proposed garden plot, and select the plants that will do well in your soil. If price is no concern, then rig up a watering system that can be turned on when needed.
   
   Raised beds instead of slopes area will hold in water, is one thing to consider, and plants with deep roots will find their own water supply, easier, etc.

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   cat on a soapboxposted 13 years ago

   I agree w/ megli's advice re, sun exposure and size of area, as well as existing plants and style. Many flowers do most blooming Spring through Fall w/ the peak in summer. I look for plants that also offer colored foliage and winter berries for year-round interest.  Good choices for low water needs and sun are lavendar, salvia, poppy,daylily, euphorbias, teucrium, lantana, buddleia, verbena, coreopsis, mallow, cistus, and sedum. Seeds to plant are rudbeckia, cosmos, shasta daisy, hollyhock, sunflower, and penstemon. Though drought tolerant, plants will need deep watering (more than sprinklers) 2 times a week for 4-6 weeks until established and seedlings reg water until deeply rooted.

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   KatyWhoWaitedposted 13 years ago

   megni and cat on a soapbox - Thank you sooo much!  I posted this question to "serve up" a pitch for someone like either of you to knock out of the ballpark for the contest and win some money!  (Also, I really, really, really need the information).  I would love to see a hub with pictures of your drought resistent garden and video or ? Cheers to you! I have lavendar and I was thinking about cosmos and I remember Hollyhocks from my Aunt Marion's garden in the 50's!  I use mostly magenta and blues in my garden

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