One of the most important practices for ensuring successful gardening is selecting the right plants for the right position.

Given the diversity of possible conditions and plants to fill them. It is wise to ask for assistance if you are unsure. If you are unable to water your garden regularly, it makes sense to choose dry tolerant plants.

As a starter try cacti and succulents. Almost all of these plants thrive in very dry conditions. Silver-leafed plant such as the white flowered Convolvulus, and the coastal NZ native Astelia both thrive in dry conditions.

Many flowering plants do well in dry spots, and Gazanias, arctotis and lavender are particularly suitable. Once established, most bigger trees and shrubs will tolerate the dryness of summer and coastal NZ natives are particularly suited.

A FEW POPULAR DRY TOLERANT PLANTS:

Flowering plants: Gazania, Arcotis,Lavender, Portulaca, Petunia, Convolvulous.

Architectural plants: Agave, Aloe, Yucca, Dracaena draco, many palm varieties.

Native plants: Hebes, Coprosma, Flaxes, Grasses, Pohutukawa, Corokia, Astelia.

THE SOIL:

There are several techniques that can be used to enhance the amount of water your soil can retain. Working organic material such as Kings compost, Sheep pellets and Yates Peat moss all serve to improve your soil. In an existing garden these products can be used as a mulch, applied to the top of the soil. Also try peastraw or bark. Mulches have the extra benefit of suppressing weed growth. Water crystals hold extra moisture in dry periods, and a handful at planting time can be beneficial.

Debco Saturaid channels water down to the roots of plants, and Gypsum helps to break up clay soils, allowing water to get in. If you want a garden that looks lush and green all the time, you need to water it daily through summer.

Think about installing a watering system on a timer if you think you'll forget.