Here are some tips to help your plants survive during a season such as last summer’s drought:

1. Use native plants, trees and shrubs that adapt well to this area.
2. Place plants with similar light and water requirements together in the flower beds.
3. Dig in organic matter such as, compost, manure, or rotting leaves.
4. Put plants needing lots of water, near a downspout, near drainage areas that are low-lying, or in the shade of other plants.
5. Do your watering early in the morning for the most benefit and most efficient use.  Watering later in the day during warm or hot weather leads to quicker evaporation.
6. Conserve water, and help plants survive by using soaker hoses, or drip irrigation.  Overhead sprays tend to evaporate, and miss areas that need watering.
7. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of organic bark chips,  or shredded leaves to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.