Low-water garden plants good choice for Fallbrook area landscapes

NORTH COUNTY – Coping with drought is a way of life for most North County residents.

The National Climatic Data Center, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), works cooperatively with Canada and Mexico to monitor climate and drought conditions across the continent. According to the NOAA, the globally-averaged temperature for 2013 tied as the fourth warmest year since 1880, when record-keeping began. 2013 also marked the 37th consecutive year with a global temperature above the 20th century average. Warm temperatures, when paired with below-average precipitation, can quickly escalate and cause drought.

Low-water garden plants are a smart choice for landscapes in North County. These resilient plants can keep gardens looking lush and beautiful regardless of water restrictions. In fact, low-water gardening has become a popular trend among eco-conscious gardeners and even is a cost-saving measure for homeowners.

Establishing a garden of drought-tolerant plants is not that difficult with the wide varieties of nurseries offering succulents in this area. Advice is plentiful and one can easily discuss which plants are native to the area. These will be more tolerant to fluctuations in weather than plants that are imported.

Nursery advisors are adept at explaining the amount of water various succulents require.

Succulents, which include aloe, cacti and jade, are characterized by thick, fleshy water-storage organs. Succulents prefer bright light and can thrive in south-facing conditions. It’s good to concentrate the most amount of watering for succulents during the spring growing season. Keep soil well-drained to avoid damage to shallow roots.

A variety of sage plants, including white sage, black sage and Cleveland sage, are drought-tolerant and do well in the greater Fallbrook area climate. These plants produce blooms that attract insects and birds alike.

Heed landscape conditions when selecting plants for the garden. Drought-tolerant plants are a good idea for the Fallbrook locale.