Beautiful and Resilient: The Art of Drought-Resistant Landscaping

Houston residents are all too familiar with the city's unpredictable weather patterns, including prolonged dry spells. This variability in precipitation makes drought-resistant landscaping a must-have for homeowners who want to maintain beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces.

"For us, drought-resistant landscaping starts with irrigation,” said Brendan Joseph of Lanson B. Jones & Co. “Ensuring that our plant material gets the appropriate amount of water is important, especially given the heat and droughts we experience in Houston."

He explains that with the right preparation, you can achieve a stunning European-style garden that thrives even in the harshest conditions.

What is Drought-Resistant Landscaping?

Drought-resistant landscaping, at its core, is about creating outdoor spaces that can withstand periods of low rainfall and intense heat. This type of landscaping starts with proper irrigation practices. Regardless of the type of plant material used, each plant needs the correct amount of water, as the watering needs can significantly differ between plant types. Consistency is important too. Regularly checking irrigation clocks and timers keeps your garden thriving and can help save water, contributing to a more sustainable landscape.

Key Elements of Drought-Resistant Landscaping

1. Irrigation Systems: Brendan says that the foundation of drought-resistant landscaping is a well-designed irrigation system. Improperly designed spaces can lead to excessive water use and higher costs. Setting zones based on plant types ensures that each area gets the appropriate amount of water. For instance, lawns, seasonal color beds, and trees each have different water needs and should be on separate zones to avoid overwatering or underwatering.

2. Plant Selection: While the choice of plants is important, it is not the sole focus. Plants and shrubs commonly used in European-style gardens can also survive sustained dry spells with the right preparation. “It's about how you treat your plants, what type of organics you use, and making sure they're getting enough water," Brendan said.

3. Soil Management: Conducting a soil test before planting helps a landscaper understand the soil composition and its suitability for plant life. The team at Lanson B. Jones & Co. regularly conducts soil tests to determine the best organic treatments for enriching the soil and promoting healthy plant growth. In older homes, the soil might need to be replaced or substantially improved due to high clay content or poor microbial life.

4. Mulching and Composting: Applying mulch and compost helps retain soil moisture and provides essential nutrients. Mulching before summer and fall, combined with composting in spring, can significantly improve soil health and water retention.

5. Defining Spaces: Using materials like steel edging to define different planting areas can help manage water distribution more effectively. "It allows us to place irrigation heads precisely and maintain distinct areas for different types of plants, so they all get the right care," Brendan said. “Defining spaces improves the visual appeal of the garden too.”

Real-Life Examples of Effective Landscaping Solutions

Project 1: Creating a Resilient Backyard Haven

The team is currently revamping a backyard with hollies, and a grid of trees surrounding synthetic lawn areas. Adding Asian jasmine ground cover not only enhanced the garden's beauty but also bolstered its ability to withstand varying weather conditions. By carefully managing irrigation and sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, these plants will flourish, even during prolonged heatwaves.

Project 2: Enhancing Outdoor Living with Practical Design

Another standout project this summer for a client is the installation of a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen. Situated adjacent to an already existing pool, the outdoor kitchen space serves as a central hub, seamlessly connecting with a garden planned by the team that transitions the space. Essential to this setup was integrating effective drainage solutions, such as aligning gutters with downspouts. These measures will help manage drought challenges and also be able to handle heavy rainfall. The goal is a sustainable and functional outdoor space.

Maintenance and Smart Irrigation

Keeping up with regular maintenance is a must for the long-term health of drought-resistant landscapes. Weekly checks of irrigation systems ensure that timers are correctly set and that plants receive the necessary water.

In modern installations, smart irrigation systems that can be controlled via apps offer convenience and precise control over watering schedules.

“We can use these systems to diagnose issues remotely,” Brendan said. “It saves time and promotes efficient water usage."

It’s All About the Client

Drought-resistant landscaping is not just a trend, but a necessary adaptation to Houston's unique climate challenges.

"It's all about understanding client priorities and delivering solutions that meet their needs," Brendan said.

By focusing on proper irrigation, soil management, and thoughtful design, homeowners can create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces that thrive in both drought and heavy rain. Whether starting from scratch or enhancing an existing landscape, it is also about meticulous planning and maintenance to ensure long-term success.

This approach not only adapts to Houston's fickle climate, but also delivers a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy for years to come. If you’re ready to explore drought-resistant landscaping for your home or commercial space, contact the landscape experts at Lanson B. Jones & Co.