As Utah faces another potentially severe dry season, gardeners are increasingly adopting drought-tolerant plants and water conservation techniques.

Shifting Gardening Strategies

Nurseries across the Salt Lake City area are reporting a surge in demand for succulents, ornamental grasses, and expert advice on protecting plants from unpredictable weather. This reflects a significant shift in gardening strategies among local residents focused on water conservation.

Customer Demand for Drought-Resistant Plants

A recent weekend at Quality Flowers and Plants, a nursery serving Salt Lake City for six decades, highlighted this trend. Customers were actively seeking drought-tolerant perennials, flowers, and vegetables, demonstrating a proactive approach to gardening.

Susan Walker, a Salt Lake City resident, explained she is specifically choosing perennials known for their ability to thrive with minimal water. Tom Pagago shared that his family is modifying their gardening plans to prioritize water conservation, intending to be more judicious with water usage and focus on plants requiring less water.

Nursery Response and Expert Advice

Quality Flowers and Plants is responding to the increased demand by offering advice and a wider selection of suitable plants. Owner Mike Goldberg noted a surge in inquiries regarding drought-tolerant varieties and methods for protecting plants from unpredictable spring weather.

Goldberg highlighted the resilience of plants like geraniums, which can tolerate temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit when acclimated, and can be protected from colder snaps – down to 25 degrees – with a simple sheet (avoiding plastic).

Challenges Beyond Drought

Recent cold snaps have already caused damage to trees and sensitive plants in northern Utah, a concern gardeners are keen to avoid. However, Goldberg emphasized that rising operational costs, driven by tariffs and inflation, also pose a significant hurdle.

Despite these economic pressures, the nursery is committed to supporting customers in their water conservation efforts, promoting succulents, ornamental grasses, and water-retaining soil additives like crystals.

Planting Timing and Best Practices

The perennial question of when it’s safe to plant remains complex. Goldberg humorously noted that Mother’s Day typically marks the halfway point for planting. Experts recommend watering during cooler hours and prioritizing native or drought-resistant plants to maximize water conservation throughout the summer.

This situation underscores the importance of responsible water management and adapting gardening practices to ensure the sustainability of Utah’s gardens in the face of a drier future.