Hi Msgrnjns!
I think you can give irises a try. Keep track of the weather--you may get sufficient rains so you won't need to water every visit. If it hasn't rained, give them a good slow watering so that it soaks in well. Keep the irises weeded so there is less competition for water. If the soil is sandy, add organic material to help improve water retention.
Are there particular cultivars you are hoping to plant?