Dry Climate Gardening
The BOM hasn’t been covering itself with glory in recent months, not just because of its controversial new website, but for some seemingly erratic weather predictions. After our dry winter we were promised a wetter than average spring, and then maybe not, and then maybe it will come later. To be fair, we could debate whether the problem is erratic forecasting or erratic weather – not surprising with El Ninos, La Ninas and Indian Ocean Dipoles thrown into the mix together with climate change effects. But despite the episodes of ‘wetter than average’ we do know that there’s a high probability we will often experience long periods of dryness in this country, being the driest inhabited continent on the planet.
Gardening in dry climates requires a blend of ecological awareness and practical design. We might remember during the millennium drought in 2001-2010 it became fashionable to design gardens of succulents and pebbles, achieving the goal of water reduction but doing little for a flourishing ecosystem or habitat for wildlife. As global temperatures rise and drought cycles intensify, gardeners must turn to techniques that reduce water use while also being conscious of broader environmental wellbeing.
In many ways dry climate gardening shares a common foundation with regenerative or rewilding practices, in that it works with natural processes rather than against them. The goal is to achieve resilience, conserve resources and promote healthier ecosystems capable of thriving under arid conditions.
A key principle of dry climate gardening is the strategic use of drought-tolerant plants—species adapted to survive on minimal moisture through deep root systems, waxy or silver foliage, and efficient transpiration controls. Native plants are especially well suited, especially regionally appropriate species, having evolved over millennia to match local rainfall patterns, soils, and temperature extremes. Importantly, they reduce the need for irrigation, fertilisers, and pest control. Mulching with gravel, bark, or organic matter further suppresses evaporation, improving the soil’s ability to retain what little water it receives.
Clearly best practice for water conservation in the garden is to encourage natural vegetation to reassert itself. But, of course, being gardeners who sometimes like the challenge of growing things in less than ideal conditions, many of us still set our sights on some thirstier specimens – especially if they offer us a spectacular flower or foliage. In these cases thoughtful placement, such as grouping plants by water needs and creating shade with other shrubs or climbing plants on pergolas, will maximise water efficiency as well as creating attractive, layered landscapes.
Another important factor in retaining moisture in your garden, whichever garden type you opt for, is soil restoration, since healthy soil acts as a sponge, storing water and supporting microbial life essential for plant resilience. Allowing leaf litter and fallen branches to decompose in place enriches the soil and encourages a diverse web of insects, birds, and small mammals.
It’s not surprising that the garden is the first place to suffer water restrictions during a prolonged dry period and for many people the response is to just turn off the taps and conserve water for the ‘important’ things. But we should remember it’s the green stuff that gives off oxygen and enhances our wellbeing both physically and mentally. Planning how to keep it alive and healthy in a hot dry summer is as important as ensuring our aircon is working to keep us cool and refreshed!
