Gardening During Water Restrictions: Choosing Plants That Thrive in Hot, Dry Summers
With much of the Okanagan experiencing Stage 3 water restrictions, many gardeners are looking for ways to enjoy beautiful gardens while using water responsibly.
The good news? A water-conscious garden can still be full of colour! The key is choosing the right plants, watering efficiently, and understanding how plants respond to heat.
Always follow the water restrictions and guidelines put in place by your local city or municipality. These rules are designed to help protect our water supply, especially during hot, dry periods. By following the regulations and making smart gardening choices, we can all do our part.
Choose Heat-Loving, Drought-Tolerant Plants
Not all plants handle hot, dry conditions the same way. Some varieties are naturally better suited to the Okanagan climate, especially during long stretches of summer heat.
Great choices for low-water gardens include:
🌸 Petunias – especially newer, vigorous varieties that handle heat and continue blooming
🌼 Calibrachoa (Million Bells) – colourful, trailing, and well suited for containers
🌿 Portulaca (Moss Rose) – loves heat and sunshine
🌺 Geraniums – reliable summer performers
🌱 Succulents – excellent choices for dry locations
🌸 Angelonia – thrives in heat and keeps flowering
🌼 Zinnias – colourful and drought tolerant once established
Choosing the right variety is just as important as choosing the right plant. Some plants are bred to handle heat, sun, and the challenges of container growing better than others.
Water Smarter, Not More
Saving water doesn't mean letting plants struggle. It means using water where plants need it most—the roots.
In our greenhouse, we are constantly looking for ways to use water efficiently. We hand water and use drip emitters to deliver water directly to the plants. This allows us to provide the moisture plants need while reducing unnecessary water waste.
At home, some simple water-saving practices include:
✔️ Water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler
✔️ Water deeply so moisture reaches the entire root zone
✔️ Use mulch in garden beds to reduce evaporation (also check out FireSmart guidelines)
✔️ Group plants with similar water needs together
✔️ Choose larger containers that hold more moisture
Always follow the water restrictions and guidelines put in place by your local city or municipality.
The Right Plant in the Right Place
A plant growing in the right location will always perform better. A sun-loving plant in full sun will thrive, while a shade plant struggling in the heat will require much more water and care.
During hot, dry summers, a successful garden is about working with our climate—not against it.
We can still have beautiful, colourful gardens while being responsible with our water use. By choosing the right plants and using thoughtful watering practices, we can enjoy the beauty of gardening while protecting this precious resource.
Happy gardening!