Add Easy-Care Color with This Small Space, Drought-Resistant Garden Plan

2015-06-09
Add Easy-Care Color with This Small Space, Drought-Resistant Garden Plan

This small space, drought-resistant garden plan includes a small, but mighty, list of tough plants that can withstand dry conditions while still looking lush and colorful. Set off a birdbath with daylilies, penstemon, and bright Mexican sunflower to create a dramatic display of blooms and foliage. You can add or eliminate plants from this list based on the size of your space. So, head to the garden center, pick out your birdbath, and start planting this simple but pretty garden plan.

Plants for Creating the Small-Space, Drought-Resistant Garden Plan

Most of these plants will thrive with minimal care, but during the first season of growth, you will want to pay close attention to making sure they are watered thoroughly.

  • 1 Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia): Annual
  • 1 Daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’Oro’): Zones 3-9
  • 3 Salvia ‘Marcus’: Zones 5-9
  • 3 Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Zones 4-9
  • 3 Penstemon ‘Red Riding Hood’: Zones 5-8
  • 1 Birdbath

If you aren't able to find the exact cultivars listed above, substitute with others that have similar colors, shapes, and sizes. And because some plants can become overly aggressive and spread out of control in certain climates, always check which species are considered invasive in your area before planting.

Get the Free Small-Space, Drought-Resistant Garden Plan

The garden plan for this design includes an illustrated version of the planted garden, a detailed layout diagram, a list of the drought tolerant plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should you include a birdbath in your garden design?

    Adding a birdbath to your garden will increase the amount of birds that come to visit. Although feeders can also attract birds, some don't eat seeds and will have no reason to visit the feeder. However, they will always need fresh water to drink and bathe in.

  • Are there any cons to adding a birdbath to your garden?

    Unfortunately, birdbaths can attract more than colorful birds. They can also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These insects will lay their eggs in stagnant water. That's why it's important to regularly clean your birdbath.

  • Where in the garden should you place your birdbath?

    If possible, place your birdbath beneath the shade of a tree to keep the water cool. If it's positioned in direct sunlight, the water might become too hot for birds to use.

Related Article

8 Front Yard Landscaping Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Home's Curb Appeal

8 Front Yard Landscaping Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Home's Curb Appeal

Enhance your home's curb appeal by avoiding these front yard landscaping mistakes. Get expert advice on creating a visually appealing and welcoming front yard.
How to Make a Rock Garden

How to Make a Rock Garden

Learn how to build a rock garden with these tips. Find out how to choose a rock garden style, the best types of rocks to use, and how to design your garden.
24 Pink Flowers to Add Dainty or Bold Beauty to Your Garden

24 Pink Flowers to Add Dainty or Bold Beauty to Your Garden

Make a statement with our favorite pink flowers in every hue from the palest blush to the brightest magenta.
Are Mums Perennials That Will Come Back in Spring?

Are Mums Perennials That Will Come Back in Spring?

Mums in containers or garden beds can survive winter with these tips.
10 Best Types of Ornamental Grass That Are Native

10 Best Types of Ornamental Grass That Are Native

Create a gorgeous, low-maintenance landscape with these North American beauties that also support wildlife.
What Is an Arborist, and When Do You Need One?

What Is an Arborist, and When Do You Need One?

Find out what an arborist is and how to select the best arborist for your tree care needs.
This Tough-as-Nails Perennial Garden Plan Has Fuss-Free Plants

This Tough-as-Nails Perennial Garden Plan Has Fuss-Free Plants

A fuss-free perennial garden plan doesn't have to be boring. Keep the color coming all season long with this easy-care design.
This Bold Woodland Garden Plan Brims with Color and Texture

This Bold Woodland Garden Plan Brims with Color and Texture

Filled with easy-care plants, this bold woodland garden plan design is perfect for livening up a spot under a tree's canopy.
36 Container Garden Ideas to Inspire Your Own Pretty Plantings

36 Container Garden Ideas to Inspire Your Own Pretty Plantings

Use these container garden ideas to create the best-designed planter for your patio, window box, or other container planting.
How to Harvest Cilantro Leaves and Coriander Seeds

How to Harvest Cilantro Leaves and Coriander Seeds

Learn how to harvest cilantro from your herb gardens with these simple tips.
12 Tips for Growing Lettuce in Containers from Seed to Salad

12 Tips for Growing Lettuce in Containers from Seed to Salad

Take the guesswork out of growing lettuce in containers with these must-know tips, such as the best types of lettuce for pots, the right containers to use, and how often to fertilize.
4 Simple Steps for Growing Lavender in Pots

4 Simple Steps for Growing Lavender in Pots

Add fragrance and beauty to a sunny spot by growing lavender in pots. Use these planting steps and care tips to successfully grow lavender in containers.
Achieve the Perfect Blueberry Soil pH with These 9 Simple Tips

Achieve the Perfect Blueberry Soil pH with These 9 Simple Tips

Learn how to ensure your blueberry soil pH levels are just right for these acid-loving berries.
What Is an Olla Pot? Plus 10 Tips for Efficiently Watering Plants with It

What Is an Olla Pot? Plus 10 Tips for Efficiently Watering Plants with It

Olla pots simplify plant watering and reduce water waste. Here's how to make a DIY olla pot and 10 tips for using it for efficient watering.
What You Need to Know About Winterizing a Lawn

What You Need to Know About Winterizing a Lawn

Get a jumpstart on a lush, healthy lawn next spring with this guide on winterizing a lawn. Plus, get your lawn mower ready for winter storage.
How to Get Rid of Groundhogs in Lawns and Gardens

How to Get Rid of Groundhogs in Lawns and Gardens

Groundhogs do a lot of damage to gardens. Use these tips to prevent and get rid of groundhogs in a safe, humane way.
How to Identify and Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms

How to Identify and Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms

These very hungry caterpillars can quickly destroy your tomato crop. Find out how to recognize and control tomato hornworms.
How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles on Your Plants

How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles on Your Plants

Have you noticed little bugs on cucumber plants in your garden? Find out how to identify a cucumber beetle and prevent these insects from killing your cucumber, melon, squash, and other crops.
Keyhole Gardening Will Super-Charge Your Raised Beds

Keyhole Gardening Will Super-Charge Your Raised Beds

Keyhole garden beds offer easy access to produce, provide plants with nutrient-rich compost, and use less water. Learn how to create a keyhole garden.
16 Award-Winning Landscape Plants for Georgia Gardens

16 Award-Winning Landscape Plants for Georgia Gardens

Take the guesswork out of choosing landscape plants for your Georgia garden. Peruse these proven performers for all the planting inspiration you need.