Dry gardening is a fantastic way to cultivate a beautiful Mediterranean-style garden in water-scarce regions. Unfortunately, many people incorrectly assume that the only plants suitable for a dry garden are succulents or cacti. In reality, there are hundreds other plant options available that can bring beauty and life to a dry garden. From drought-tolerant shrubs to flowering perennials and evergreen trees, there’s something suitable for every garden.
Shrubs are a great choice for adding structure and form to a dry garden. Consider a flowering variety, such as a Lavender or Rosemary, which will add a delightful scent to the garden and attract pollinators. For long-term color, consider a drought-tolerant perennial, such as African Daisies. These flower for several months and can help to break up the monotones of a Mediterranean-style dry garden. For added height and interest, look for a drought-tolerant evergreen tree, such as an Olive tree. This will provide year-round interest and add a touch of drama to the garden.
Grasses are another great option for dry gardening. Ornamental grasses come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, from the small and delicate Blue Fescue to the majestic Maiden Grass. They are low-maintenance and are an excellent choice for a dry garden. Finally, don’t forget about foliage plants. Plants such as Phormiums are a great choice for adding texture and interest to a dry garden. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are easy to maintain. So don’t be discouraged if you’re looking to create a dry garden.
There are plenty of plants beyond succulents that can bring beauty and life to your Mediterranean-style garden. With a little research and creativity, you can create a garden full of color, texture and life, even in a water-scarce region.
Drought-tolerant grasses and groundcovers
When it comes to dry gardening, succulents often get all the attention. However, there are many other types of plants that can thrive in dry conditions, such as drought-tolerant grasses and groundcovers. Ornamental grasses are a great option for adding texture and movement to your dry garden. They come in a variety of colors and textures, such as Blue fescue, Switchgrass, and Feather Reedgrass. Groundcovers are also an excellent choice for dry gardening.
Not only do they add beauty to your garden, but they also help with weed suppression and erosion control. Creeping thyme is a popular choice for dry gardens, and is a great option for adding a pop of color. So don’t limit yourself to just succulents, there are plenty of other plants that can thrive in dry Mediterranean-climate conditions.
Perennials and shrubs for dry gardens
Perennials and shrubs can be fantastic additions to dry gardens, providing long-lasting color and interest, as well as structure and wildlife habitat. Perennials such as Lavender, Russian Sage, Butterfly Bush and Rock Rose are all great choices for dry gardens. Lavender is a fragrant favourite that adds a lot of visual interest with its gray foliage and purple blooms, while Russian Sage brings a pop of color with its blue-purple blooms.
Butterfly Bush is another great choice, with its arching stems and clusters of fragrant blooms that attract butterflies and bees. Rock Rose is a great option for Mediterranean dry gardens, as it is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub with fragrant blooms in a wide range of colours. These plants can provide a great backdrop for succulents, adding texture and color to any dry garden.
Mediterranea trees for shade and visual interest
Trees are another great way to add visual interest and provide shade in dry climates, and help frame your garden. Deciduous trees, like Cherry or Almond trees, are especially great because they provide seasonal color and shade. Evergreen trees, like Pine trees or Olive trees, are also great for providing year-round greenery and privacy.
These trees are also great for providing shelter for wildlife, such as birds and squirrels. It’s important to choose species of trees that are native to your region as they are better adapted to the climate and soil. Furthermore, it’s important to choose trees that require low water needs and are resistant to drought. Properly selecting and caring for your trees can make a big difference in the health and beauty of your garden.
Edible and medicinal plants for dry gardens
There are numerous edible and medicinal plants that can thrive in Mediterranean-style dry gardens. For those looking to produce their own food, there are many drought-tolerant edible plants, such as rosemary, sage, and artichoke, that can withstand the harsh environment. Additionally, many medicinal plants can also be grown in dry gardens, such as echinacea that is widely beloved for its many healing properties. With careful selection of plants, you can create a vibrant and healthy dry garden with a variety of edible and medicinal plants.
With dry gardens becoming an increasingly popular choice for home landscaping and gardening, it’s important to remember that there are a wide variety of plant options available for creating a lush and vibrant outdoor space. While succulents are certainly a popular and low-maintenance choice for dry gardens, they don’t have to be the only option. By exploring the vast diversity of plant life, one can create a unique and eye-catching dry garden that can provide both ecological and aesthetic benefits. From drought-tolerant perennials to hardy shrubs and grasses, there are a multitude of options for creating a beautiful and functional dry garden.
In addition to being visually stunning, the right combinations of plants can also provide a variety of benefits – from shading and cooling the surrounding environment to attracting beneficial wildlife. By considering all the options, one can create a unique and sustainable dry garden that is both beautiful and beneficial. With careful planning and experimentation, Mediterranean-style dry gardens can be a stunning and rewarding addition to any home.
For further reading about Mediterranean plants you can visit the Mediterranean Garden Society’s website, or you can contact us directly at Sage Green Gardening.