As spring arrives amidst ongoing drought restrictions, caring for plants and lawns has become a significant challenge. For Amalia Morin, a long-time resident of Alice’s Northside, plants are a passion. Despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic about nurturing her garden.
“We’ve lost many plants due to the lack of rain and cold weather,” Morin said. “We use leftover water from our dehumidifier to keep them alive.”
To combat these challenges, Morin plans to introduce more drought-resistant plants into her garden. “We do our best to keep them alive,” she emphasized.
At The Landscape Guy and Nursery, co-owner Ashley Rivera offers practical advice for gardeners. “Water deeply to saturate the roots rather than relying on surface irrigation,” she advised. “This ensures your plants have enough water throughout the day.”
Rivera also cautioned against violating water restrictions and suggested focusing on native South Texas plants like lantanas, yucca rostrate, cacti, and knock-out roses. “These plants not only tolerate drought but also cold weather, requiring minimal watering once established,” she noted.
For alternative watering methods, Rivera recommends collecting water from air conditioners or using drip irrigation systems. She also observed a growing trend towards xeriscaping, a landscaping style that minimizes irrigation.
“Don’t worry; your yard will recover,” Rivera reassured. “Hopefully, we’ll get some rain soon.”
By choosing the right plants and adopting efficient watering strategies, gardeners in South Texas can maintain vibrant landscapes even during droughts.
