For most efficient use of water, try drip irrigation

DURING THE FREquent dry spells of most summers, I tell my neighbor to thank me each time I water my garden. This is because my watering always seems to be followed by at least a passing thundershower. Perhaps similarly, writing now about how to cope with summer drought will ensure a season of abundant rainfall. Here goes (keep your raincoats and galoshes handy) ..

I start preparation for the dry months ahead by turning my attention first to the soil. Any type of organic material — leaves, straw, peat moss, compost, manure, sawdust, grass clippings — mixed into the soil will help plants weather dry periods. But note, these organic materials must be mixed into the soil, not buried beneath it. In sandy soils, organic matter acts like a sponge to hold water. In clay soils, organic matter will open up air spaces and promote far-reaching root systems.

During the growing season, these same organic materials can be laid on top of the soil as a mulch to prevent evaporation of water from the soil surface. (Except for peat moss, which dries to form a layer impervious to rain.) If organic mulches are replenished each year, digging is never needed since earthworms continually drag the lower portion of the surface mulch down into the soil. In fact, I no longer dig organic materials into my soil.

Virtually any material can be laid on top of the soil to check evaporation. Black plastic film is commonly used. I have mulched parts of my garden with wooden boards. And a friend carpets his ground with, what else? Carpet!

Now let’s turn to what can be done with the plants themselves to prepare for dry weather. If I were sure that every summer would be droughty, I would grow only drought resistant plants. This is not to suggest converting a lush garden to an Arizona landscapes of yuccas and hardy cactii.

Many familiar garden plants are at least somewhat drought tolerant. Drought tolerant shrubs include

AGAWAM Plant sale

Agawam Garden Club is holding its annual plant sale for June 3. This year’s event will be held at the Feeding Hills Congregational Church, 21 North Westfield St. The sale will include many perennials and shrubs all from members gardens and all a bargain. Because the plants are all grown locally in members gardens, they are well acclimated to the area. Also featured this year will be Agawam and Feeding Hills hand-painted pots as well as chair planters painted and decorated by club members. Proceeds from the sale go towards funding the club’s scholarship and providing gardening programs for the year. Visit agawamgardenclub. com for more information.

NORTHAMPTON Garden tour

juniper, Russian olive, privet, potentilla, buckthorn, sweetfern, ninebark, and nannyberry viburnum. Amongst annuals, drought tolerant plants include cosmos, marigold, nicotiana, portulaca, sunflower, zinnia, and, interestingly, many of the annuals that are used for dried flowers, such as

The 29th annual Forbes Library Northampton Garden Tour will take place on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. This tour raises funds for the Friends of Forbes Library, Inc. that supports Northampton’s historic public library. At each garden, there are handouts available that describe the plantings and volunteer garden guides to answer questions. There are also opportunities to enjoy music or observe a plein air painter. Tickets provide driving directions to this self-guided auto route as well as a recommended bicycle route, courtesy of their collaboration with the friends of Northampton Trails. Tour tickets are $20 if bought in advance and can be purchased through June 9 at Bay State Perennial Farm in Whately, Cooper’s Corner, State Street Fruit Store, Gardener’s Supply Company in Hadley, Wanczyk’s Nursery and Forbes Library. Pre-pay online at www.forbeslibrary. org/friends to reserve tour tickets through June 7, for pick up at Forbes Library only on June 8 from 4 to 8 p.m., June 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and June 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets available on the day of the event only at Forbes Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are $25. The Northampton Garden tour also offers a raffle of items that appeal to both gardeners and other library supporters. Win a weekend farm stay in Maryland, a garden bench, a hand-crafted rug, organic compost, gift certificates and much more. Purchase raffle tickets at Forbes Library and at one of the gardens on the day of the tour. Ticket prices are 2 tickets for $5, 5 for $10 or 12 for $20. The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the tour.

& Dave Runyan | Project of the Week