The only trees that I've seen survive on their own in the wetter, low elevation areas of the state with 15" of precip are chinese (siberian) elm and russian olive, however these usually take some help to put in a snow fence upwind to leave drifts where the trees are planted and provide additional moisture. They will probably get enough moisture to grow 10-12' high, then lose branches in dry years and generally look about 1/2 dead. However, if you go to an area with ground water, such as near a stream or spring, then you have lots of choices--cottonwoods, other poplars, ash, linden, boxelder, apples, honey locust, black walnut, and others. The key is whether you want to irrigate or have groundwater for the trees to survive on and your elevation. Otherwise, you go with what appear to be half dead bushes or just stick with bushes such as caragana or lilac and some evergreens such as junipers.

If you grow yu choy, gai lan, or Chinese cabbage in an arid climate and enjoy success, I'd like to hear from you. I have gai choy and Hmong choy sum seed from plants that do well here in our semi-desert location. Steve

Hi Ross, There are many Erigeron species (fleabanes), many more Penstemons as Bev suggested. Also fall asters, Eriophyllum lanal pointe, Asclepias incarnata, Pulsatillas, little bluestem & Calamagrostis ornamental grasses, the taller German statice, Rudbeckias, lavender & Amsonia and Perovski. All manage to survive in my sun baked thin soil. I did mulch to keep some moisture though. Against the south brick wall I have a low growing juniper underplanted with spring bulbs and several clematis sided by scarlet monarda, a veronica and alliums, centranthus ruber and nepata faassenii, even some white lily bulbs for a couple of years! Fall asters and hardy chrysanthemums manage to return yearly too. Sharon

Hi Linda Sounds like a very nice idea that you have for your garden. Nearby me, there is a guy who has big paperbarks in his front yard. Lovely trees with sprawling limbs, going down to the ground and lots of roots. Its really lovely and very sculptural. He has renovated the garden to include lots of those succulent plants, like agaves, looks like something from the Mexican dessert. He has planted these plants all around the base of the paperbarks. I think he just plonked in some topsoil before planting. I am not sure that it looks good, but I do have a good look every time I wonder past. Its different to say the least. Of course none of the succulents are natives, but I just thought it was a similar situation to your garden. It would be hard do plant around the roots. The roots would take all the moisture from the smaller shrub, so I guess you would have to look at the drought tolerant, hardy status of the plants you choose. Not much help, I am afraid, I like your idea, cycads would look nice with the paperbark. Popi