By this time each year there are always a few plants in my garden showing signs of stress from the incessant direct sunshine and from lack of rain. I could be outside watering right now but there is a point in mid-summer when I choose to emulate nature and hold back a bit on the watering schedule. To keep my garden looking its best, I continue to water through the months of summer but I try not to overwater. By this I mean that I give my planting beds and flowering borders enough water to thrive in the summer months but not so much that the plants have to rely on an unnatural water schedule to merely survive.
In our modified Mediterranean climate the cycle of wet months and dry months is the normal state of things. One of the advantages of a climate with continuous winter rain is that it helps plants prepare to withstand a period of summer drought. Even so, during a series of hot, dry days, we can expect our perennial plants in full sun to display a slight droop by late afternoon. Healthy plants will return to their rigid stature that evening or at least by the next morning. Pay special attention to the water needs of any trees, shrubs and other plants that have been planted within the last year.
New plants with limited root systems need enough water to get established. This is most important in the first season after planting but can remain critical into the second and sometimes even the third year if weather conditions have been poor and root expansion is slow. Most only need frequent watering in the first season. During very dry, hot weather, two waterings each week should be enough to prevent severe damage. Slow, thorough soaking of individual plants or plant beds on a regular schedule is preferable to infrequent heavy watering or frequent light watering.
In certain situations, a few especially valuable plants may be watered individually during stress periods while the rest of the area is not given any extra irrigation. Various means such as mulching, shade, efficient irrigation methods and hardscape surfaces can be used to make the established landscape, as well as a new landscape, more water efficient. This year was an anomaly with multiple rainless months in the spring when we normally have consistent rainfall up until July 4th. Since we can expect a period of summer drought conditions every year in our Northwest gardens, it makes sense to establish the groundwork for an efficient watering system as soon as possible.
