Drought-Tolerant Garden Transforms Northeast Estate into Eco-Friendly Oasis
A drought-tolerant garden not only conserves water but also creates a visually striking, resort-like aesthetic. This is evident in a recently redesigned estate, where native plants and cacti beautifully envelop the home, reducing water costs and attracting wildlife.
The northeast US has a variety of drought-tolerant native perennials that can thrive in local conditions. These include butterflyweed, little bluestem, showy goldenrod, black-eyed Susan, narrowleaf mountain mint, and anise hyssop. Dr. Amy Karpati, senior science advisor at Teatown Lake Reservation, recommends incorporating these into home landscapes to conserve water and reduce costs.
One striking addition to the estate's garden is the Euphorbia cactus, a multi-column plant native to India and Pakistan. It complements the home's mid-century modern style, thriving both indoors and outdoors. While new plantings require extra watering initially to establish their root systems, once established, these plants need minimal watering, making them ideal for drought-prone areas.
The estate, designed in 1965 by architect Rex Lotery, features a unique facade combining stone, concrete, glass, and redwood. Its drought-tolerant planting not only enhances its visual appeal but also supports an ecological community that includes songbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife. By selecting drought-tolerant native plants, homeowners can create a beautiful, sustainable, and eco-friendly landscape.
