If you have any experience with container gardening you may wonder how xeriscaping is possible because we all know how quickly containers dry out on hot summer days. While it is true that xeriscape container gardening comes with its own unique set of challenges, there are tips for making it successful.

These tips include the following:
- Choose the right plants for the right conditions. Choosing plants not well-suited to grow with little water defeats the project before it even gets started, so do your homework first.
- Amend the potting mix by adding organic matter (compost). Also, consider adding water retaining crystals (hydrogels) and mycorrhizal fungus such as MYKE. Making the mix as nutrient-rich and water-retentive as possible helps diminish supplemental watering.
- Group the plants according to their requirements. Plants with similar requirements should be grouped together. This is one method of reducing water waste. Think ahead to the type of garden you want. If the plants you would like to use need some shading from the direct sun consider adding a trellis or screen.
- Water efficiently. Consider using a drip irrigation system that minimizes loss of water to the atmosphere. Traditional watering methods result in spillage and evaporation. Drip irrigation is very effective at delivering the water directly to the root area, helping reduce evaporation and runoff..
- Mulch Mulch Mulch! The use of organic mulch such as compost mulch will help in many ways. A five to 7.5 centimetre layer will help keep the soil moist, it will feed the soil with nutrients and keep the soil temperature cooler.  Container gardening in a sunny location always faces the problem of increased soil temperatures. About 2.5 centimetres below the layer of mulch, the temperature can be as much as 10C lower than soil  without the mulch layer.
- Be a xeriscaper. This means being a vigilant weeder. Weeds can steal nutrients and valuable water from other plants, so weed regularly. Do not overfertilize as this can promote spindly growth that requires extra water.

Most gardeners, when they first hear about xeriscaping immediately think that this type of gardening requires the use of exotic plants or those that will not do well in a prairie climate zone. This is not true at all. In fact, some of the most common garden plants can be xeriscape plants, especially grasses as many are naturally drought resistant.

Ornamental Grasses:
- Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum). An annual grass in our climate. Noted for its long lasting, fuzzy flower spikes. Grows from 60 to 90 centimetres tall.
- Tufted fescue (Festuca amethystine). Blue-grey accent plant with tan coloured flower spikes in late summer. Also an annual with a unique tufted appearance. Grows to 30 centimetres tall.
- Ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta”). Old variety that still looks great. Cream and green variegated spiky leaves. Grows to 75 centimetres tall.
Annual Flowers:
- Sunflowers. Many varieties in many sizes. Single or multiple flower heads on cultivars. Dwarf forms grow to 30 centimetres tall while the giants can reach up to three metres.
- Portulaca. This succulent can take even the most severe periods of drought and can act as a ground cover. Sparkling flower colours in bright and pastel colours in single or double forms. Plants stay short around 20 centimetres tall.
- Celosia or cockscomb. Feathery flowers in many colours. Grow from 15 to 40 centimetres tall.
- Morning Glory (Ipomea tricolor). Yes, even a vine as gorgeous as the morning glory is drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping. One of my favourite plants for its constantly changing colours. The blue variety opens in a gentian blue and the colour fades during the day from blue to pink. Comes in blue, red, pink and white. Vine can grow two to three metres tall.

Try combinations of grasses and annuals for some stunning effects. For example ribbon grass with an underplanting of Portulaca looks terrific. The Portulaca can be allowed to tumble over the side of a container adding even more colour to the container. Try Teddy Bear sunflowers with Tufted Fescue. The blue of the grass is a perfect backdrop to the emerald green leaves of this sunflower.

Little water, little work once planted and a great look. What more can you ask for in gardening method? Xeriscaping for the small garden is a great alternative to traditional container gardens.