The lush pastel palettes that splashed across our spring gardens just a few months ago have segued into a mass of straw-colored lawns and limp plants that look like they're ready to be thrown into the garbage heap. After the first few weeks of trying to maintain the greenness within the drought restrictions of our communities, we realize we already have lost the battle. All we can do is resolutely limit ourselves to using drip hoses or some variation to salvage the most valuable of our trees, bushes and perennials.
Much of the country is in the midst of a major drought, and gardeners in the East, where I live, have dealt with these conditions for five of the last six summers. Most of us have been forced to come to grips with this water-challenged situation by now. For some gardeners, this fluke or pattern of nature takes on an air of grave importance.
But among the gardeners I know, a different sensibility prevails. It's an attitude of expectancy, mixed with curiosity and even optimism. You see, for gardeners who have worked their own piece of land year after year and experienced the awesome power of nature several times before, this summer's parched landscape is no surprise. These people have a sense of equanimity from having come head to head with the beauty and stillness of nature. They no longer perceive themselves as having lost the fight if parts of their gardens succumb to the lack of water. They don't complain about what is dying or how terrible things look. To the contrary, these folks engage in gleeful conversations about the specimens that have heartily survived the drought or the latest efficient watering device they have rigged up. They are too occupied taking note of the edgy beauty of one of their thriving succulents nestled up against the dried-up seedpod of a perennial that normally would be in full bloom to spend any time on the "what ifs" of this summer of 2002.
This family of gardeners shares a single piece of knowledge: that they are not in charge. In a world that values mastery and efficiency, they have learned an invaluable lesson. They know they can work hard, do everything technically correct and even possess the flair of an artist in their gardens -- but when it comes to the big strokes, the outcome of the garden is not in their hands, but in the hands of nature or God.
These gardeners have made their peace with the Darwinian theory of survival and understand that we humans are just a cog in the wheel. Any façade of self-importance has been exiled from their souls. They don't talk about the existential philosophy of it all. They are too busy living and gardening. When the full bloom of spring envelops their senses, they breathe in each intoxicating moment. In the dog days of summer they talk about what is happening now, this moment, in their garden. They possess a sense of lightheartedness, persistence and curiosity. These are folks who work the land because they have to; it gives them pleasure, peace of mind and meaning in their lives. It is precisely because they know that the ultimate outcome of each season's garden is beyond their control that they have the ability to immerse themselves in the act of gardening, relishing it for what it is: a place to learn important lessons about life.
5 plants that scoff at drought
These drought-resistant perennials can be planted in midsummer. Water consistently for up to two weeks until the plant adjusts to its new home. Note: Zone numbers refer to the USDA's map of gardening climates.
Achillea specimens(yarrow) have gray or green fern-like leaves with daisy-like flowerheads, grouped together, that bloom through the summer and fall. Comesi n white, red, yellow, orange and pink. Depending on the species (thereare more than 85), they can be grown anywhere from Zone 3 to Zone 9. Check the species to make sure it thrives in your zone. Prefers full sun in an open space but will survive in a variety of conditions.
Coreopsis specimens(tickseed) are from the Asteraceae family. They have daisy-like yellowor pink flower heads that grow on long stalks and attract bees. Long blooming period; great for cut flowers. A rapid spreader. Check species and your zone to make sure it thrives in your climate. Some do well from Zone 3 to Zone 9. Grow in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead for continuous bloom.
Hemerocallis (day lily) is one of the great workhorses of the garden. Flowers come in a variety of forms, and colors include white, orange, yellow, burgundy and pink. After blooming, cut the stems of the dead flower heads back to the base of the plant for repeat blooms. Rapid spreaders, they look most impressive planted in large quantities. They do well in sun but will be just fine in partial shade. Hardy from Zone 3 to Zone 10.
Lavandula(lavender) is a group of aromatic shrubs and perennials whose fragrant flowers appeal to bees because of their high level of nectar. Does well in moderately fertile soil in full sun. Grows abundantly in Mediterranean climates. Great for hillside plantings, border plantings and as part of a perennial border. Leaves and flower heads can be used as dried flowers, sachets and potpourri. Depending on the species, can be grown from Zone 5 to Zone 9.
Sedum species(stonecrop) include more than 400 annuals and perennials that usually are succulent. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, neutral to a bit alkaline, in full sun. Even when the flower is not in bloom, in spring and early summer, the leaves and shape (fairly low-growing mound) of the sedum add an unusual color and texture to the mixed border or rock garden. Will continue to bloom throughout the fall. Beautiful in the autumn garden when combined with salvias, asters and fall-blooming perennial grasses. Depending on the species, it can thrive from Zone 5to Zone 9.
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