DRY GARDENS FOR DRY PLACES
Waterwise gardening
In many parts of the world, water is a scarce resource. This means that gardeners need to learn to create gardens that require very little water….or have no garden.Dry gardens have a character all of their own and that character does not necessarily need to be scarce on foliage, colour and lush growth.

Dry Gardens Desert Landscape
Some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world are found in deserts. A desert landscape garden uses the arrangement and choice of materials to replicate the appearance of desert conditions. The design should be informal to create a natural look.

Use raised garden beds to promote good drainage and ensure that plants that are used to dry conditions do not become waterlogged. Cover pathways and garden beds with sand or gravel mulch. Features to include are a dry creek bed, or perhaps even a small pool or oasis. Stunted/smaller/gnarled trees will also create the appearance of an arid landscape. If paving is to be included, it should blend in to the garden and complement the colours of a desert landscape.

Contrary to popular belief, many areas we think of as plantless deserts are in fact filled with different types of vegetation. Although these plants have been toughened by the dry conditions, they can still be used to create a very ornamental garden.

They are succulent plants.

If you are including trees in your garden (every bush garden should have at least one gum tree), make sure they won’t shade out other plants that require sunny conditions.

Cacti and/or Succulent Collections
Just because you have a dry garden, doesn’t mean you can’t have plenty of colour. Succulent ground covers can blanket the ground with a carpet of foliage or flower colour.

Many of the different types of cactus will give your garden that dryland look, while providing magnificent brightly-coloured flowers. Even if you only have succulents in one garden bed, there is still the opportunity to include a fabulous array of plant shapes, sizes and textures. Because of their architectural shapes, these plants suit both a semi formal or informal garden design style.

If you live in wetter climates, you can still enjoy cacti and succulents. Grow them in raised beds or under cover – under the eaves of the house or beneath the roof of a hot house.

Xeriscapes
Xeriscape is a term coined to describe landscaped gardens that have low water requirements. It is a concept that has become popular in the drier parts of Australia and North America, where water is in short supply.
In Europe the phrase DRYSCAPE is used-
a Dry-Landscape
It uses many of the features of the desert landscape such as mounds and raised beds, but allows for a wider range of design styles. In fact, about the only thing you won’t find in a dryscape garden is an irrigation system. Garden beds are often mulched with organic material such as wood chips. The plants can be arranged close together and plants such as oleander, with its glossy green foliage, are often included. Paving, furniture and even a small gazebo, can be added to the design. When setting out your garden, provide plenty of light to your plants. Avoid plants with dense vegetation and don’t place them too close together. This also allows you the space to create features with rocks, ground formations and old logs.

Dry Garden Minimalist Landscape
Another style of dry garden is the minimalist landscape. These can be formal or informal in design, with an emphasis on hard landscaping features like paving and outdoor structures. When plants are incorporated, they are few in number, but stunning in appearance. For example, large palms, Yucca, Cactus, Cordyline or Agave in a pot.
Where are Dry Gardens (dryscapes) Found? 

   *In dry climates (low rainfall)
   *On very sandy soils that don’t hold water
    *Under the eaves of a house or against a wall (in a rain shadow)
    * In pots that dry out easily (especially terracotta and dark pots).
    *Under the canopy of a large tree. The canopy stops rain, roots compete for water etc.
    *On a steep slope, where rain-fall water is lost quickly.
    *In hot paved areas.
    *Coastal sites (often windier + saltier).

How did you garden grow this summer? Was it dry and scorched on hot sunny days, especially when the wind blew. There are lots of plants that wilt as soon as it becomes hot and dry, and the wind makes them even thirstier.Water is one of our most important resources, and it is one that is becoming more and more scarce. In many areas of the world there is just not enough water to grow crops, or gardens as we know them. A big tomato plant needs about 130 litres of water in one growing season. It's important to learn to garden without using litres and litres of water, understanding how plants adapt to survive with only a little water helps. Then you can make a difference by growing plants that don't need as much additional water.

Succulent Garden