Summer-Dry Landscape Design

Portland is known for rain. And from September to June that totally makes sense. But at some point in June or July, everything changes, and we then enjoy a very dry summer. This cycle, from extremely consistently wet to just as consistently dry, is an overlooked feature of our climate. It has also been overlooked when planning our gardens.

Yes, Portland shares weather patterns with the Mediterranean. Which means that many plants that thrive in the Mediterranean also thrive here. They may not be native, but they are well adapted and (perhaps) future proof.

“Summer-dry” gardening means we pick plants that are happy with the weather they are going to get. They won’t drown in the winter and won’t curl up and die in the summer. These plants will be happier with some supplemental water, but won’t demand it once they are installed.

What does a “Mediterranean” or “Summer-dry” garden look like in Portland? Think drifts of drought tolerant grasses interspersed with flowering perennials. Anchoring these plantings are trees and shrubs- but not Japanese maples and hydrangeas. Instead we might use oaks, box-leaf azaras, manzanitas, California lilacs, and rockroses.

Depending on how these plants are mixed and laid out you can have a modern summer-dry garden, or a formal summer-dry garden, even a Japanese inspired summer-dry garden. Pretty much any style can be work with this planting method. And all of your mature plants that no longer need summer water- such as Japanese maples and rhododendrons- can stay in place and be blended with the new selections.

Summer-dry gardening is just one way of “future proofing” your home for climate change.