50 Ways to Celebrate Global Warming

Forget Watering

Check out Piriformis Nursery in Fremont, which specializes in drought-tolerant plants. Owner Tory Galloway's philosophy: high drama and low maintenance. "I don't want to drag a hose around or do a lot of weeding and pruning. If you can get the right plant in the right place . . . you're happy, the plants are happy, and you can go for a boat ride or come home and just sit in your garden." 1051 N. 35th St., 206-632-1760, www.piriformis.com. KIRSTEN DELARA

Study Up

Become an expert on low-water gardening with the Miller Library. Visit the horticultural library's Web site, www.millerlibrary.org, and click on the "Drought Help" icon to review links to articles on drought tolerance, suggested plant lists, rain collecting, irrigation options, and sources of mulch. Research things scientifically, using the tool section's water-use calculator and drought monitor. Rather read a book? There's a comprehensive list of drought-gardening titles available for on-site reading or to be checked out from your public library. 3501 N.E. 41st St., 206-543-0415. KIRSTEN DELARA

Lose the Lawn

Lawns are nicer green and plush, but they're not worth the precious water—or the precious dollars to buy that water. We bought our house in 1985; we've never watered the lawn. Each year, it dies by the end of July or certainly by August. Each year, it returns in the fall to its verdant wondrousness. And I hope it goes without saying that you shouldn't fertilize your lawn, either. If you are having trouble letting go of a year-round green, lush lawn, Seattle Public Utilities has a good 12-step program for you. Go to www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/Services/Yard and click on "Natural Lawn and Garden Care." GEORGE HOWLAND JR.

Tiptoe Through the Tropics

The hot and steamy Volunteer Park Conservatory (Karen Steichen)

Avoid the bugs in your own yard and take a day trip to a tropical garden nearby. Chetzemoka Park in Port Townsend hosts a tropical water garden, in addition to flower gardens and picnic areas. If you're looking for something a little more hot and steamy, the Volunteer Park Conservatory on Seattle's Capitol Hill is loaded with rare plants. Five connected greenhouses hold an extensive orchid collection, bromeliads, tropical ferns, palms, banana trees, and more unusual cacti than you can imagine. Chetzemoka Park, Jackson and Blaine streets off Monroe Street, Port Townsend, 360-344-3055. Volunteer Park Conservatory, 1402 E. Galer St., 206-684-4743. KIRSTEN DELARA