SAN ANGELO, Texas — Everyone is well aware that we're in a
historic drought. Thanks to the lack of rain, stifling heat and
strong winds, Texas has been drier in the past seven months than
it has been in more than a century. Anyone who has spent time
out in the hot, dry weather knows it's hard to handle, and
creates a mighty thirst for some cool water. Plants need water
to live just as we do, and they have a hard time withstanding
the weather as well. Those who have well designed, mature
landscapes are lucky enough to see the great benefits that
plants provide during times like these: pleasant shade, energy
conservation by cooling the home, beauty and added value to
property. But to keep landscape plants alive and thriving they
will need additional attention during drought conditions. Plants
need water to do photosynthesis, a process using sunlight,
carbon dioxide and water to create food (carbohydrates) for
energy. They also need water to keep cool; similar to the way
humans sweat to cool down, plants have a