When summer brings extreme heat and severe drought, keeping a garden healthy requires more than simply turning on the hose. At Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, caring for 20 acres of gardens during challenging weather means finding thoughtful ways to protect plants while using water responsibly. Water-wise gardening isn’t about giving up on beautiful landscapes. It’s about using the water available as efficiently as possible, understanding what plants need, and making smart choices about where water can have the greatest impact. As drought conditions continue to put additional stress on gardens and landscapes, Botanica is relying on several water-wise practices to help its gardens thrive while conserving this precious resource. Many of these same techniques can be used by home gardeners, too.
Water Deeply, Not Daily
One of the most important adjustments gardeners can make during drought is changing how they water. Rather than giving plants a small amount of water every day, water deeply and less frequently. Deep watering encourages plant roots to grow farther down into the soil, where moisture can remain available longer. This helps plants develop stronger root systems and become better equipped to handle periods of heat and dry weather. Of course, watering needs vary depending on the plant, soil type, weather, and location. Newly planted trees and shrubs generally need more consistent attention while they establish their roots, while established plants may be able to withstand longer periods between watering. The goal is to get water where plants can use it without wasting it through runoff or evaporation.
Put Water Where It’s Needed
Drip irrigation is another valuable water-wise tool. Instead of spraying water into the air or across a large area, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the soil near a plant’s roots. This can help reduce evaporation and runoff, making each drop of water count. It’s especially useful for garden beds, trees, shrubs, and other areas where targeted watering makes sense. For gardeners using sprinklers, timing also matters. Watering early in the morning is generally more efficient because temperatures and wind speeds are typically lower. Watering during the heat of the day can lead to more evaporation before water has a chance to reach plant roots.
Mulch Makes a Difference
A layer of mulch can go a long way toward helping soil hold onto moisture. Botanica recommends maintaining approximately 2 to 3 inches of mulch in flower beds. Mulch helps slow moisture loss from the soil, keeps soil temperatures cooler, and suppresses weeds that would otherwise compete with garden plants for available water. Just remember to avoid piling mulch directly against the trunks of trees or stems of plants. A little space around the base allows for proper air circulation and helps prevent other problems.
Sometimes, Less Is More
When plants are already stressed by drought, it may be tempting to give them a boost with fertilizer. However, drought is generally not the time to fertilize. Fertilizer can encourage new plant growth, and that new growth requires additional water. Rather than pushing plants to grow during periods of extreme heat and drought, it’s often better to allow them to conserve their resources until conditions improve.
The same principle applies when deciding whether to add new plants to the landscape. If possible, wait until temperatures cool down before planting new trees, shrubs, or flowers. Cooler weather gives new plants a better opportunity to establish strong roots without facing the combined stress of intense heat and limited water.
Prioritize What Matters Most
Unfortunately, even the best water-wise practices can’t prevent every loss during a severe drought. When water is limited, gardeners may have to make difficult decisions about which plants receive priority. At Botanica and in home landscapes, trees and shrubs should generally be given priority. These plants provide long-term benefits, including shade, habitat, beauty, and structure in the landscape. Annual flowers, on the other hand, may be sacrificed when necessary. While losing seasonal color can be disappointing, conserving water for established trees and shrubs can have a much greater long-term benefit.
Lawns can also look dramatically different during drought. Fescue lawns may turn brown and enter dormancy as they respond to hot, dry conditions. That doesn’t necessarily mean the lawn is dead. If the roots and crowns remain alive, the grass can recover when temperatures cool and moisture returns.
Learn From This Summer
Difficult growing seasons can teach gardeners a lot. As summer winds down, take note of which plants struggled the most. Did certain perennials wilt quickly? Did some annuals require significantly more water than others? Did particular areas of the landscape dry out faster? Those observations can help guide planting decisions next year. Consider replacing water-loving perennials and annuals with drought-tolerant varieties that are better suited to Kansas' challenging summer conditions. Choosing plants that can thrive with less supplemental water can create a more resilient landscape while reducing the amount of water required to maintain it.
At Botanica, conserving water is part of caring for the gardens and the environment we all share. By watering deeply and efficiently, using mulch and drip irrigation, planting at the right time, and prioritizing established plants, gardeners can help their landscapes weather challenging conditions and be better prepared for the seasons ahead. Even during a drought, every drop can make a difference.
Find Beauty in the Fall Garden
