Nurseries offering more drought resistant plants

Worried about your prized plants drying up during the traditional NC summer dry spells? Try planting more drought resistant plants. This also helps cut down on water usage as dictated by new rules on watering.

Many local nurseries have begun offering more plants that require less water and do well in dry areas. This helps the nurseries gain back sagging sales and also helps consumers have gardens that do better in the intense summer heat with less demands for water.

News and Observer
July 19, 2007
Vicki Lee Parker, Staff Writer

Nurseries adapting to drought
Plants that sip water get more shelf space

When the Triangle suffered a drought in the early part of the decade, Fairview Nursery's sales withered, along with many lawns.

Now as the region teeters on the verge of the third drought in five years, the Raleigh nursery's sales are up 8 percent.

No, it's not Miracle-Gro.

The lack of rain and the area's new watering restrictions are leading gardeners to seek plants that require less water. Local nurseries are stocking more drought-tolerant plants to meet demand. They are also selling more rain barrels, special hoses and other products aimed at consumers who are conserving water.

The trend, coupled with the region's surging population of homeowners, is creating lush times for local nurseries and garden centers -- a welcome change after several tough years. Read more...