Drought-Tolerant Planting: Resilient, Beautiful, and Ecologically Smart
It’s August in Massachusetts, and we’re in a drought again.
With cities and towns putting restrictions on watering, this is where drip irrigation comes in handy. More importantly, it’s a reminder of why I always emphasize planting with drought tolerance in mind.
Rethinking Lawns
In recent years, more and more clients have asked if I can rehab their lawns. I often find myself responding with “no,” which isn’t something I’m used to telling clients. Of course, if someone is set on having a lawn even after I share some education, we can provide one — but I’m not an advocate.
My hesitation comes down to two main reasons: water use and biodiversity.
Lawns require massive amounts of water.
Lawns provide zero interest for pollinators.
A lawn is the most obvious place for a meadow garden.
Why Meadows Make Sense
Frankly, keeping a lawn green for aesthetic purposes during severe drought is simply irresponsible. Once established, a meadow garden requires minimal irrigation or maintenance.
After only a few seasons, this garden in New York requires no weeding or staking, minimal water, or mulch.
These plants not only handle dry conditions but also provide seasonal interest, texture, and pollinator habitat. Even in a hot, dry August, a garden planted with the right species can thrive without heavy watering or constant upkeep.
By choosing drought-tolerant plantings over traditional lawns, you’re not just conserving water — you’re creating a landscape that’s more resilient, ecologically valuable, and visually captivating.
Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
Favorite Drought-Tolerant Plants
Ornamental Grasses
‘Little Bluestem’ (Schizachyrium scoparium): provides both color and texture to the winter garden.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Heavy Metal’: an ethereal texture.
Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’: beautiful golden plume in summer and fall, which carries into winter.
Perennials
Monarda bradburiana: shorter, while ‘Jacob Cline’ and ‘Clair Grace’ are taller varieties — all resistant to powdery mildew.
Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ or ‘Ruby Tuesday’: a long-lasting, late bloomer.
Penstemon digitalis: prolific early bloomer, turns striking maroon in summer; flowers shaped perfectly for hummingbirds and monarchs.
Echinacea purpurea: love the pink but also use ‘White Swan’; seed heads add winter interest.
Eutrochium purpureum (Joe Pye Weed): towering stand, thrives in average soil and lower light; great in large meadows and wetlands.
Agastache: tall, fuzzy spikes with a bush-like structure; bees love the nectar.
Nepeta racemosa ‘Snowflake’ (white catmint): fragrant, compact, cloud-like mass for borders; bee favorite.
Allium ‘Milenium’: grass-like texture, purple globe flowers.
Origanum 'Erntedank' (ornamental oregano): blue-green foliage, lilac blooms; delicate appearance but very tough.
Black-eyed Susan / Rudbeckia laciniata: bright pop of color.
Echinops (Globe Thistle): upright, statuesque, and architectural.
Amsonia hubrichtii - a native known for some of the best fall color and texture.
Rudbeckia laciniata.
Closing Thought
Drought-tolerant planting is more than a response to water restrictions — it’s an opportunity to create gardens that are beautiful, resilient, and ecologically meaningful. Meadows over lawns are the way forward.
