colorful flowers overflow from barrels on the porch of a Montana lodge

Patti writes, “I couldn’t believe this lodge was able to keep so many beautiful flowers going during a drought, but the innkeepers told me that they practice xeriscaping.  One trick they use is to grow the most water-needy flowers in containers like this barrel, close to the doors of the lodge.  Then they can easily carry out any water they save from their showers or laundry.   They laughed when I asked how they grew flowers farther away.  They said that anything planted beyond the porch just has to make do with whatever rainfall it can get.  They aren’t toting buckets of water across their ranch!”

Thanks, Patti, for sharing the picture and the watering tip.    We’ll have lots more tips for gardeners at the upcoming flower show, especially when TV personality Joe Washington tells us “How You Can Be A Successful Gardener and Water Smart”.   Watch for his lecture on the demo stage on Friday, Jan. 30, at 3 P.M.

Remember:  leave us a comment and tell us how you bloom for a chance to win a free 2009 gardening calendar.  Pictures, like Patti’s, are welcome too!

cheers,

Lynn

www.LynnCoulter.com