Rain? What Rain?

I’ve been busy digging new beds, planting new plants, planning vegetable gardens and, oh yes ---- watering, watering, and did I mention watering? I have decided that if we don’t get rain soon, I'm going to let everything die and just start over next year! Dragging that 300 feet of hose from one side of my gardens to the other has just about destroyed my right shoulder, not to mention the heat stroke that I know I must’ve had at least once! One good thing came of all that hard labor – my husband laid 800 feet of water lines so that I have water wherever I need it! Happy Birthday to me!! Yeah! But this summer’s also taught me a thing or two about “planning”. I’m not good at that process. I’m more of a “see the plant, gotta have it” kind of gal, and then I bring it home and figure out where to put it. No good spot? Let’s dig another bed!! My husband’s a very special guy, as he hasn’t left me to my grandiose dreams and bailed! So I’m determined to put more into the planning art of gardening. This especially includes planting more drought tolerant plants and Texas natives. I’ve got a good start, but I’ve let the dark side of “ooohh, how pretty” gardening cast a shadow over my Master Gardener training from time to time. But no more! I’m researching and planning to make the best choices for my landscaping AND my water supply. I’m going to give “xeriscaping” a good shot and hopefully this time next year, I can sit back and enjoy the view instead of constantly having to water it. If anyone has any good plant suggestions, please let me know! I’m going to need all the help I can get. August is passing quickly – I’m going to sit outside under the shade trees, have a tall glass of iced cold tea and start planning for a wiser next year. Anybody want to join me?