Got a sun-drenched yard that feels too hot to handle? Don’t sweat it—The City of Calgary and the Calgary Horticultural Society have teamed up to bring you a foolproof garden design that thrives in full sun and looks amazing with minimal upkeep.
This YardSmart garden bed is perfect for south-facing spaces that get extra heat from nearby hard surfaces. The secret? Hardy, drought-tolerant plants like salvia, daylilies, and coneflowers that bloom all summer and attract bees and butterflies. Once your garden is established, it will need very little water and maintenance—great for both your schedule and the environment.
Getting started is easier than you think. Start by removing lawn using one of three simple methods: smothering, flipping sod, or topping with compost. Prep your soil well, lay out your plants using the suggested planting map, and give each plant room to grow.
Watering is key in the first couple of years—about 2.5 cm per week for perennials and a bit more for shrubs. After that, your plants will be mostly drought-tolerant, only needing water during long hot spells. Keep the bed mulched, weeded, and resist the urge to cut back in fall—those dead stems help wildlife and catch snow for insulation.
By following the YardSmart plan, you’re not just adding beauty to your yard—you’re helping Calgary become more climate resilient. Smart planting keeps water on your property, reduces runoff into storm drains, and ensures your garden stays vibrant in both wet and dry conditions.
Visit calgary.ca/YardSmart to learn more and get inspired to transform your sunny spot into a thriving, colourful oasis.