CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With all of the talk about energy and water conservation, we should think about planting drought-tolerant plants. Not only ecologically correct, these plants make life easier for the gardener who doesn't like to water.

One of my favorites is the blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandifolia). I first noticed it growing along the pathways at our favorite beach, Bald Head Island, more than 15 years ago. I planted it at home, figuring that if it could withstand the hot, dry conditions of Bald Head, my yard would be paradise for the little daisylike perennial. I've added it to several beds as it is bright, blooms throughout the summer, and it thrives on neglect.

I love sedum and sempervivum of every variety. I've got them growing everywhere. The only problem with some of them is that the deer love them as well. Plant them where the deer don't roam.

Coneflowers, coreopsis, dianthus, dwarf Russian sage, verbena and purple salvia all round out my no-water plan. I've added many ornamental grasses for texture.

As for annuals, there's blue salvia, dusty miller, lantana, zinnias, ageratum and wax begonias. I'll use a lot of these in containers around the deck.

Extension agents at North Carolina State University recommend several shrubs that will survive a moderate period of limited moisture.

"Drought tolerance does not mean the plants prefer hot, dry weather or that they will not be adversely affected by extended dry weather," explained Erv Evans, consumer horticulturalist.

"Some decrease in growth or flowering can be expected during a period of limited moisture. Severe drought can result in increased insect and disease pressure, a decrease in leaf size and number, and an overall decline in growth rate and plant vigor. High temperatures and wind, heat and light reflection from nearby hard surfaces, and high fertilization can increase the potentially damaging effects of low moisture on plant growth and survival. Fall-planted trees and shrubs have demonstrated an increased ability to survive moderate moisture levels compared to those transplanted in the spring or summer."

Some of the shrubs suggested include spirea (Snowmound, Bridalwreath, Bumalda, Vanhoutte, Japanese and others), viburnum (Burkwood, Pragense, Laurustinus), pyracantha, nandina, northern bayberry, beautybush, juniper, many hollies, euonymus (Japanese, winged, spreading), cotoneaster, beautyberry, boxwood and barberry.

Plant sale

The Kanawha County Master Gardeners will host its annual plant sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 15 at Coonskin Park's Schoenbaum Amphitheater.

This is a great chance to get plants that come from the gardens of the Master Gardeners -- so you know they will work in our area. Master Gardeners will be on hand to give advice. The group also sells new and gently used garden tools, books and other garden-related items.

Get there at 10 a.m. for the best selection.

Plant heirlooms

Thumbing through Bon Appétit magazine (drooling at the photos and the recipes), I found an interesting article about planting heirloom vegetables.

"In 2009, heirloom seed sales increased by 40 percent," author Carolynn Carreno writes. "Heirloom means being from a species at least 50 years old, or being open-pollinated -- i.e., the seeds produce offspring like the parent plants."

"The Edible Heirloom Garden" author Rosalind Creasy says the "late blight" that nearly decimated Northeastern tomatoes in 2009 (a strain of which also caused the Irish potato famine) could have been lessened if people had grown tomatoes from seeds or seedlings, including heirloom varieties.

To find out more, visit Seed Savers Exchange (www.seedsavers.org), Seeds of Change (www.seedsofchange.com), and Native Seeds (www.nativeseeds.org).

Reach Sara Busse at sara.bu...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1249.