The Pacific Northwest may be famous for its rainy climate, but those of us who live here know that we also experience dry summers. In fact, our region has a climate similar to the Mediterranean, save for cooler overall temperatures.
What does this mean for our gardens? Well, it means that we often need quite a bit of supplemental water to keep our plants alive and happy in July, August, and September. But by choosing to plant drought-tolerant plants, you can reduce water use and create lower-maintenance gardens.
Drought-tolerant plants typically thrive with little or no supplemental water during the summer months once they have settled into the garden. However, it’s important to remember that all plants – even those labeled as drought-tolerant – need regular water until they become established. Generally, this means a consistent watering schedule for the first dry season or two after planting. If you’re curious to know more, read our post, The Truth About Drought-Tolerant Plants.
You don’t need to create a completely drought-tolerant garden to enjoy the benefits. Even just one or two drought-tolerant plants can help. Now, let’s talk about some of our favorite drought-tolerant trees and shrubs for the Pacific Northwest. They offer a range of fantastic attributes that will beautify your garden and simplify your life!
Aimée Damman
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