According to the Lancaster Farming News, "Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, could be in for more hot, dry weather this summer, with moisture coming from downpours rather than sustained rain."
"Drought could develop after the county had a warm winter and wet spring, said Kyle Elliott, the director of the Millersville University Weather Information Center."
Elliot says "temperatures have been 4.5 degrees above June’s normal 83-degree average and less than an inch of rain fell in June through the 26th."
Commercial farmers have systems in place to deal with drought conditions, homeowners and gardeners less so.
Suggestions for a drought-resilient landscape: yard, porch, patio.
Sedums are excellent water-conserving perennials. These succulents are available in a wide variety and come in two forms: low-growing ground cover and tall, upright clumps.
Sedum is full sun-tolerant, blooms from midsummer to fall, and is a great addition to border, rock, and pollinator gardens.
Allium, also known as ornamental onion plant, loves full sun and prefer being grown on the dry side. This perennial is a great bloom-producer that multiplies year after year, comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
Butterfly weed “Asclepias tuberosa” is a sun-loving native plant with orange blooms that attract butterflies.
For more Pennsylvania-friendly drought-tolerant plants visit this Penn State Extension resource page.
Sunny Spot Nursery is help you create a water-saving, resilient landscape.
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