Out here in southern Colorado hot & dry is a typical summer! A heavy mulch truly is a money saver and speaking for myself woodchips are where it's at. When I had to protect my Mums, I put down some Revive which is kinda like a granularized manure that is used primarily as a wetting agent for your lawn ( the product retains moisture like those polymer beads, which you could also use ) and after working it in the soil then watering I'd cover them with a thick layer of woodchips. On a personal note I and a few other early arrivers have a kinda bull session before work and I've learned that unflavored gelatin does the same thing. With a thick enough layer you may not have to water at all if you receive a good down pour early in the season. Hope this was helpful.
