In our semi-arid climate, drought tolerant plants thrive. There are many beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers with low water requirements. Plants which have adapted to our climate are usually more pest resistant.

A Kamloops lawn doesn’t need to be watered every other day. It only requires about 2.5 cm (1”) per week to keep it green. Water one to two days per week depending on weather and soil conditions (sandy soils drain faster than silt or clay soils). 

 Water lawn properly

Most plants are given a hardiness rating according to temperature zones, with Zone 1 being the coldest to Zone 8 being the mildest (in Canada). Our Kamloops climate ranges between Zone 3 at its highest levels, to Zone 6 at the valley bottom.

Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Within these zones there are areas known as micro-climates, where the climate differs from the surrounding area. Hedges, walls, and fencing may offer protection that can alter growing conditions.

Whether an area is sunny or shady, windy or protected, exposure will determine what plants will flourish where.

Try to plan for year round interest and enjoyment by considering more than just flowers. Think about the colour and texture of leaves, bark, and fruit, along with overall branching and shape of various plants.

• Plants vary in the amount of care required to keep them looking attractive. Select plants that realistically meet your gardening time constraints.
• Selecting the right plant for the right place provides an advantage over pest problems. In our semi-arid climate drought tolerant plants thrive.
• Healthy soil supports healthy life and is the best way to prevent weed growth and deter insect pests and plant disease. Plants need soil for support, air, water and nutrients.

Plant for mature size, do not prune for size.

Of all insect species we encounter, 95-99% are beneficial or harmless. So, instead of banishing all insects, invite some wonderful garden helpers over. Use plants such as cosmos and dill to attract guests like ladybugs and lacewings: they love to dine on aphids, mealybugs and scale insects. 

Download the brochure to learn more.

• Make mostly thinning cuts. Remove branches right back to the parent branch or trunk.
• Avoid creating stub ends.
• Make your cuts just outside the branch collar (a slight thickening where the branch joins its parent branch or trunk). Flush cuts destroy the tree's defense zone.
• Remove no more than 20% of the green.

1. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
2. Remove suckers and watersprouts.
3. Remove badly placed branches that are crossing or rubbing each other, growing into the centre of tree or branches that are growing into walkways, roadways, or buildings.
4. If desired, trim slender branch tips a few inches, to a bud or parent branch