The Times They Are A-Changin' (Bob Dylan) I propose a thread where those of us who are having a hard time keeping plants alive can share strategies; successes and failures. I used to joke that I had the most expensive compost pile around because so much of what fed it were pricey perennials that had ‘failed to thrive’ in my garden. This isn’t funny anymore. I garden in one of the most inhospitable areas on Vancouver Island, on the side of a hill with minimal sandy/rocky soil and very little precipitation. Despite my efforts to water within the imposed restrictions, it is simply not enough for many beloved plants. On the bright side, there are many that are coping remarkably well. These are not necessarily Mediterranean plants but things like Pieris japonica, Skimmia ssp., Oregon grape, phormium, peonies, many grasses and ferns. I am continually surprised by what looks good still and what has collapsed. It’s not enough in my opinion to simply have plants survive from year to year; they need to look good to earn a place in my garden. I’d love to hear how others on this forum are adapting to the new realities of gardening here on the SW coast of BC. I'm not ready yet to throw in my trowel.
I once read an article years ago that described a similar situation to yours. The garden was in Portugal and was on a rocky exposed slope. The owners wanted to grow some plants they knew from the UK where they had moved from but it was not practical to remove all the rocky/sandy native soil and replace with a more perennial friendly mix. Their solution was to dig pots and large containers into the ground so they could contain the planting mix just to each individual plant. The soil can be adjusted to suit the plants needs; ie, more water retentive for some and less so for others. Also, each plant is watered and fed as required rather than watering a whole hillside and much of it draining away. Each plant effectively had its own micro-climate and micro-habitat. I think in many plant families there are varieties that can withstand harsher conditions than others. Some Astilbes, Hostas, and even Fuchsias can take much more sun and heat than others if they are provided with enough water. A container system like in the link below could allow for that. why-you-should-try-diy-container-in-ground-pot-planting As for my own strategies, a few years ago I gave up trying to have green grass thanks to the European Chafer Beetle (the lawns looked more like First World War battlefields), plus with metered water and increasing restrictions it didn't make sense to try and force something that wasn't going to work, so I planted all perennials, shrubs and small to medium sized trees. I chose 'garden varieties' of plants rather than the latest trendy perennial recommended by some garden guru in the East or the UK. Those plants are very expensive, especially when the conditions aren't just perfect for them, and they fail. The basic Lavenders, Salvias, Columbines, Lupines, Coreopsis, Heleniums, Echinacea and Rudbeckias are thriving. If it has some fancy name like 'Heavenly Pink Moon' (a tell tale giveaway of a plant destined to fail) I pass on by. I also allow everything to self-seed. No deadheading; the birds love the seeds and anything that grows, flowers and seeds then germinates and grows the following season has proven it will survive. So far, it has worked for me. I should add that I am not dealing with rocky slopes or other challenges just a typical suburban lot. My challenge is metered water with an ever increasing price tag. The plants must look after themselves so, no watering other than a couple of weeks when the plant is first planted if it's dry.
I'm up by Shawnigan Lake, so I have a rather different weather pattern to deal with than in Victoria--I get far more rain and snow in winter, and it's a few degrees hotter in summer. My strategy so far has been to mulch very thickly with tree chips or debris (whatever falls on the paths and bit of lawn gets raked into the beds). Under the mulch layer in some areas are soaker hoses. I might run those an hour a week, if needed. Some areas get no water from the tap at all--they either survive on their own, or live on the septic field (rhubarb loves it there!). I tend to plant trees and shrubs in the fall, at a small size. I don't have scientific proof but I feel that if planted small, the root system can spread out at a better pace to support the growth of the top. This has seemed to work well so far with all the little trees that started out as seedlings around my yard that I took and planted at work, where they get no irrigation. Most of the plants I choose are either native or a non-native of a genus that has natives here. Of course there are a few exceptions that I couldn't resist :) But the soil here is quite poor, with many thirsty redcedars. Things that have done particularly well with minimal care are physocarpus, philadelphus, pulmonaria, stachys, spirea, coreopsis. Oh, and of course the vinca that someone planted here before me..I don't think I could kill that if I tried! I think if I lived in town, I might do a bit of plumbing and either make an outdoor shower, or some kind of diverter for the indoor shower drain...might be against the law, but that's a lot of good water going to waste every day. I really don't know why new construction isn't required to have some kind of grey water recovery system. Silly.
Thank you very much, Derek and Heathen for your observations and suggestions. I have been digging up many plants (small rhodos in particular) and putting them in large pots - thinking, now what do I do with them! Black plastic pots can get so hot and they aren't very attractive either. Replanting pot and all makes so much sense. I will dig up the astilbes, hostas, hellebores and a few other favourites and put them back in the ground. I'm running out of space to put new perennials but will look at the species you have both mentioned when I buy new ones. I have second drains on my kitchen sink and washing machine which allows me the option of diverting water into the garden so will get those connected to some of the thirsty shrubs outside the house. It won't be much but every bit helps at this point. Really, I can't say enough how helpful your comments are and I am feeling quite excited now to think I can revive some very sad looking plants so they actually look good again.
Here's an article by Dr. Tara Moreau, Associate Director of UBC Botanical Garden. https://news.ubc.ca/2024/05/top-tips-for-gardening-in-a-drought/ From there I followed a link to Metro Vancouver's Facebook page with a video called Grow Green Live Series – Climate Friendly Gardens: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=960527279406250 There is a link on that page to the Grow Green Guide put out by UBCBG and Metro Vancouver. This should all be accessible without a Facebook ID.
