Paradise Thriving in Drought: Waterwise Botanicals In California
Conserving water is important in many climates going through extreme drought, but most people don't want to replace their lush gardens with rocks. Fortunately, Waterwise Botanicals has a stunning display garden at their nursery in California that shows just how beautiful a drought tolerant garden can be.
Rows of Roses and Succulents
From the moment you drive up to the nursery, it's hard to miss the plentiful pots of roses and the black rows of Aeoniums on the hillside. Waterwise is not only a garden you can visit, but a place to purchase drought tolerant plants that are ready to be planted in your garden. You'll find the staff to be extremely friendly and happy to help you find plants that are the best fit for you.
It's all about getting the right plants
Most people think that cactus are the only drought tolerant plant option. And while those can be a good fit, there are plenty of softer and more welcoming plants that can withstand long periods of time without water. These Sedum varieties seen at Waterwise Botanicals are a great example of how to bring greenery into your garden without needing to water every day.
Colorful choices that aren't flowers
Most people grow flowering plants (that often require a lot of water) because the flowers are colorful. However, many succulents, including this Flapjacks Kalanchoe, are quite colorful all year round. Many are even more colorful in the peak of summer when the sun is brightest and the soil dries out quickly.
Soft and fuzzy succulents
As a stark contrast to the prickly plants most think of in a desert climate, these Echeveria have bright pink and green leaves with a fuzzy look and feel. These are great drought tolerant options for warmer climates and can add a more delicate look to your garden. They'll also stay colorful year round, getting the deepest pink the winter (in Zone 9) when the temperatures are just above freezing.
Plein air painting paradise
You can see a variety of drought tolerant plants in the background here. Waterwise Botanicals is a destination for many artists to paint on site. With colorful hillsides, a pond full of wildlife, and the temperate San Diego climate, it's an enjoyable place to spend a few hours of the day with plenty to inspire your imagination.
Clusters of succulents line the walkways
Everywhere you turn as you walk about the garden you'll find pleasant paths to walk along, surrounded by groupings of all kinds of different succulents in a rainbow of colors. Here you can see gorgeous blues, reds, purples, yellows and more. Having groups of succulents clustered together is a great way to make an area feel more lush while keeping your watering to a minimum.
Striking flowering plants
This icy blue-green Dudleya has beautiful pink flowers that are just about to blossom. It's surrounded by other water efficient plants with pink and purple flowers. Even though many drought tolerant plants have beautiful foliage in a variety of colors, you'll still find a number of stunning flowering plants that add extra color throughout the year.
Repurposing with a purpose
Upcycling old garden items is a fun project. But in this case, it also serves a purpose. Small potted arrangements can dry out very quickly and tend to need water more frequently. This large wheelbarrow full of succulents has enough soil that it won't need to be watered as often, making it a much more drought tolerant planting option.
Rocks don't have to be boring
You'll see plenty of rocks all around Waterwise Botanicals, though they are anything but boring. With colorful Sedum and other plants growing in the crevices, you won't feel like you're in the desert. Succulents are impressive in their ability to grow with very little soil, and these rock gardens are the perfect proof.
Take something home with you
Even if you don't have a large garden where you can plant succulents or other drought tolerant plants in the ground, Waterwise Botanicals has some great low-water potted options for you too. Their designers have created dozens of small succulent groupings that will thrive with very little water. That way you get to enjoy their beauty without a lot of maintenance.
Are These Weird Succulents Too Ugly To Grow In Your Garden?
Most people think of succulents as beautiful rosettes with thick, colorful leaves. They're tough and can withstand long periods of drought. But not all succulents are beautiful. This can be a heated discussion, but while many think these weird succulents are cool, others won't even consider buying them. Would you grow any of the ugly succulents on this list?
What Succulent is Best for You?
There are thousands of succulent varieties and not all of them will grow well in your climate or may require more (or less) work that you want to put in. It's important to know how much light and water your succulent plants need to thrive so you can select the plant that's best suited for you.
Is Your Succulent Dying? Find Out Why
There's a number of reasons your succulent might not be looking great. Find out how to tell what's wrong with your succulent and how you can fix it or prevent it from happening again.
This article originally appeared on Succulents and Sunshine.