July Garden of the Month: Drought tolerant can be beautiful

Long before the current drought hit California, Modesto resident Michelle Tucker took an interest in xeriscaping – gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for watering.

She wanted a beautiful and creative yard that also required very little water. Her efforts garnered her home at 1713 Stetson Ave. in Modesto Garden of the Month honors for July from the Modesto Garden Club.

Tucker’s yard was part of the club’s annual Spring Tour four years ago and since has matured well, according to a press release from the garden club.

Tucker has included in the front yard a variety of plants with low water requirements, such at lamb’s ears, phormium and a variety of succulents and grasses.

The focal point of the landscape is an Agave americana “Variegata” near the door, drawing the eye to the entry and providing a dramatic sculptural focus thanks to its bold green leaves with yellow stripes.

A small path of decomposed granite meanders through the front garden. Decomposed granite is like gravel, but finer, and is formed from natural weathering and erosion of solid granite, according to the press release. It is frequently used in gardens with a wild or natural look and has the advantage of being versatile, permeable and inexpensive.

Like most gardens, this is a work in progress, and Tucker is keeping an eye on the mondo grass she’s planted there since the grass is not working out the way she would like. Because of that, she may switch to something that requires even less water.

This story was originally published June 30, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "July Garden of the Month: Drought tolerant can be beautiful."