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Dry gardens are a challenge. The old rule of right plant, right place is especially true for dry gardens. Success is achieved by using plants that naturally grow in dry situations, and working with nature.
Planting
There are two types of dry situations, full sun and shade. Look for plants with silver or grey leaves and succulents for dry situations in full sun. There are many popular perennials suitable for dry, shady areas. Dig in plenty of compost, lawn clippings and as much organic material you can lay your hands on. Mulch plants well in summer.
When to Plant
Autumn is the best time to plant to capture as much of the winter rain as possible so plants are established before summer.
How to Plant
It is important plenty of compost, mulch and organic material is dug into the soil before planting. Dig the planting hole twice the width and depth of the root ball. Dig in compost and organic material. Add Blood & Bone or Butlers Sheep Manure Pellets to the planting hole and mix in well.
Soak the plant in a bucket of water before planting. Remove the plant from its container, run a sharp knife down the root ball in several places to encourage new roots. Place the plant in the hole and firm soil around it. Plant to the depth of the plant?s original container. Water well.
Feeding
Use a Complete Garden Fertiliser at the recommended rate in spring. Water fertiliser in well.
Mulching
For trees and shrubs to thrive in dry conditions, mulching is very important. Mulch in late winter / early spring and again in mid summer. Mulching keeps weeds down and retains soil moisture.
Watering
Regular watering will be required to get plants established. Install an inground irrigation system to make the job less labour intensive and guarantee success. Deep watering once a week is more effective than light watering.
Install a watering system.
WHAT TO PLANT
Trees and Shrubs for dry situations
In exposed situations, trees and tall shrubs will need to be staked to help them become established.
Acacia (Wattle), Adenandra, Albizzia (Silk Tree), Banksia, Callistemon (Bottle Brush), Ceanothus, Cistus, Erica, Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Juniper, Laurus nobilis (Bay Tree), Lavender, Leucospermum, Leucadendron, Metrosideros, Olea (Olive), Prostanthera, Pimelia, Protea, Pseudopanax, Raphiolepsis, Rosemary, Yucca
Perennials for dry situations
Perennials tend to be less tolerant of dry conditions, but given protection by larger trees and shrubs, are very rewarding.
Achillea (Yarrow), Artemisia, Arctotis, Bergenia, Echinacea, Euphorbia, Gaura, Gazania, Helianthemum, Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker), Nepeta (Catmint), Osteospermum, Phormium (Flax), Salvia, Sedum.
Bulbs for dry situations
Summer flowering bulbs are the best to grow in dry situations.
Amaryllis (Belladonna Lily), Allium (Ornamental Onion), Freesia, Galtonia, Hippeastrum, Ixia, Lachenalia, Nerine, Scilla, Spraxia.
Climbers for dry situations
Climbers do well in dry situations but require protection from prevailing winds. Mulch well in summer.
Bougainvillea, Campsis, Hardenbergia, Hedera (Ivy), Lonicera (Honeysuckle), Podranea, Trachelospermum.
Annuals for dry situations
Annuals are great to keep colour in the garden year round. They also give good ground cover.
Calendula, Celosia, Coreopsis, Echium, Eschscholtzia, Helipterum (Paper Daisy), Livingstone Daisy, Limonium (Statice), Petunia, Portulaca, Nasturtium.
Plants for dry shade
This is one of the most challenging areas of the garden as it is often underneath larger trees.
Alchemilla mollis (Ladies Mantle), Berberadopsis (Chilean Coral Vine), Buxus, Clivia, Hedera (Ivy), Hippeastrum, Hydrangea, Griselinia, Lapergeria (Chilean Bellflower).
This list is by no means comprehensive. Please ask at your local Mitre 10 store for more information on plants suited to your conditions.
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