The current state of the creek bed in my vicinity is so parched that numerous weeds are thriving on the sandbanks. The scarce water has caused all the local aquatic life, including ducks, minnows, tadpoles, crayfish, and two visibly annoyed water snakes, to cluster together in a tiny puddle beneath a bridge. These tadpoles must be the nimblest and sharpest ones this side of the Mississippi. That’s just how nature’s playing it now. While I’m sharing these observations, it’s not a plea for sympathy, nor am I looking for doom-laden proclamations or criticisms about my plant selections. Many of them are drought-resistant, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re resilient and look flawless during a dry spell. After all, not every plant can be a Joshua tree, radiant under the intense summer sun.

So why the complaint about the lack of moisture? Apart from this being GardenRant and it’s in the spirit of the platform, my perspective shifted once I accepted that my garden’s lush allure was a thing of the past, and I could only stand back and observe. This period allows me to gauge which plants, coupled with effective planting strategies, are most adaptable to these harsh conditions. Sure, it’s not the most extreme drought I’ve ever encountered, but the September heat records, which surpass those from the late 19th century, are telling. Based on my voice-recorded observations during a taxing midday tour of my Zone 6b garden in Northern Virginia, it’s interesting to note how my commentary starts detailed and dwindles to exhaustion by the end. And yes, I’m aware that those from Texas might find my lament amusing.

My extended hügelkultur bed has been exceptionally resourceful, aiding many of my tropical plants like Curcuma and Ensete, even without added water. This contrasts sharply with other tropicals in differently structured beds that are now faring poorly due to the lack of water. This hügelkultur system, installed seven years ago, was designed to utilize biomass, manage groundwater, and facilitate deeper roots for plants. Despite the present conditions, some plants, like Tetrapanax papyrifera and several Ficus species, are holding up brilliantly. The resilience of certain Hydrangea species is also commendable, as they recover their stance nightly after drooping all day, without compromising on their blossoms.

Some plants like Verbena bonariensis, Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’, and Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ stand out as stars, proving their worth in these trying times. However, others like Geranium macrorrhizum and Brunnera macrophylla might be drought-resistant, but they certainly wear their distress visibly. Regardless, I value their presence in my garden, much like how I keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.