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We all dream of living somewhere warm, hot even, where rain doesn’t spoil the day or evening barbeque. Those who live in such climates, however, know just how challenging gardening without rain can be. But adapting our garden design, and aspirations, as well as using different gardening techniques, leaves us with huge scope for wonderful, vibrant gardens in dry climates.
A Myriad of Dry Climate Styles
There are loads of different styles that work well in drier gardens. Mediterranean style, with aromatic plantings of cistus, lavenders and olives, creating shady dining areas under spreading trees, is well loved and familiar. Whether drawn from idealised Provence or Tuscany; the look is seductive.
Moorish style uses enclosed courtyards, filtered shade from overhead branches, the cooling sounds of running water or tiny fountain jets, and massed, simple planting schemes. Mosaics, in paving and water features, lend a distinctive touch.
Newer, bolder gardens have emerged from the US Southwest, where gardens are truly arid. Minimal planting of native desert plants, use of huge boulders and solid, brilliantly coloured, or sometimes soft earth-coloured terracotta, washed walls are one of the signatures of these gardens. Shady areas beneath rough beams and dramatic shadows cast by structures and plants add to the garden experience.
Desert style is uncompromising. Cacti and succulents are used in a barren landscape; rocks and abstract sculptures add interest in gardens of stark beauty. Physical features – steps, walls, etc. – and their shadows have considerable importance in these gardens
A more Australasian dry garden style has developed that uses native grasses and drought-tolerant plants to create a fully planted garden that requires little water. Mixing in drought-tolerant plants from other areas can add to the vitality and interest in these gardens, without compromising their water efficiency. Especially in coastal areas full dense planting can be achieved, yet without the need for additional watering.
A colourful, traditional garden can also be created in dry areas, using plants that require no or little supplemental water and working with the climate. Many plants require spring rain; some will survive dry periods if well mulched. There are tough plants out there that flower in some of the diriest and most inhospitable place imaginable (For more on Planting the Dry Garden)
Using the Garden
One of the first priorities in a hot, dry climate is for shade. Lunch outside is fun, but not in the baking sun with the butter melting. Selecting a sheltered area, to be paved underfoot so that tables and chairs stay level and safe, is one of the first tasks in the garden. Close to the house for carrying food and dishes makes practical sense.
Shade is essential in the heat, and a grouping of trees or a single tree should form a key part of your planting design. A shady grove, or an ancient olive or oak tree is the ideal, but there are simply loads of other options available from pergolas, arbours, shade sails and awnings. A hammock slung under a tree is equally welcoming – for guests as gardeners rarely find time to relax with a book.
Places for relaxing, with a book, with friends or a cuppa, are just as important. Options range from simple clean lines of modern seating, the classic Luytens bench, to the ever-popular and seductive hammock. In hot dry climates shade is again an essential, in cooler but dry climates a warm corner or only light shade will be preferable.
Make sure to plant with fragrant plants with loads of textural interest and colour. Often this is the ideal place for the ‘oasis zone’ in your design.
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Gardening Southwest Style - Designed for Dry Climates
Old Marrakech - evoking Moorish style
Southwest style a vibrant blue wall and xeriscape planting
An emphasis on texture - grasses and drought resistant planting
We are drawn to shade - and this is skilfully done.
Inviting, blissful shade in an informal setting
A hammock slung under a tree is welcoming
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