Though this summer has not been as dry as some, drought remains a problem, and gardens suffer.
“We tend to have off years, but if you get some plants established now, they’ll be ready when the drought gets bad,” said Barn Nursery manager Sarah Melton.
Annuals and perennials suffer more than established trees and shrubs, Ms. Melton added. “And by August, a lot of people really have trouble keeping them watered.”
So, here are five top choices for planting a garden that will stand up to the heat and drought.
1 Purslane – Annual. Similar to moss rose but with a round, flat leaf. A low, good, succulent ground cover with bright, colorful flowers that range from white to red to salmon and pink.
2 Ice plant – Perennial. A low-growing succulent with bright yellow, rose or purple flowers and needle-shaped leaves. Very hardy.
3 Lantana – Borderline perennial in this area. A mass of color. Best bets: Miss Huff (orange flowers, very bushy); Chapel Hill (low-spreading with true yellow flowers).
4 Ornamental grasses – Adagio Maiden Grass (perennial). Medium-sized flat leaves and buff-colored plumes in late summer and fall. A good fit in most landscapes.
5 Coreopsis – Perennial. Bright yellow or pink flowers with delicate, airy foliage. Favorite: Creme brulée with yellow flowers. Blooms throughout the summer.