Debra- I believe you. Our well is measured separately from our house electricity. Last year we used $20, this year for July was $75.
And we have dead maiden trees, barely alive grass, and struggling flower beds. BUT- that's why I started this thread.
I was getting rather distressed and depressed focusing on our brand new gardens that are dying.
Here's what is doing well:
Vitex is in full bloom for the second flush.
Firecracker bush- these stay little for us here, but it is in full bloom and is stunning.
The bat-faced cufias are thriving, as are the Flame Acanthus
The Muskogee crepe myrtle is the one of ours that is doing the best. The rest are surviving well (except for Sarah's favorite (also Trish's favorite)- it didn't make it)
The bananas, canas, and the tapioca trees are doing very well. Not the ears, though.
The rock rose is doing well for me also...believe it or not, I lost some Texas Sages! I decided that's when you know it's bad.
The Salvia Greggiis are doing well, but not the other salvias. The annuals went ka-poot long ago
The drought winner at my house this year is the datura. No joke- it was a volunteer under the soffet where it has not received one drop of water this year, and it is blooming it's head off and taking over the walkway.