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I’ve never known a summer when my garden has struggled as much as it has this year. My lawn has gone into dormancy and resembles straw rather than a lush green carpet, and my plants are drooping from a long stint of high temperatures and lack of rainfall.What’s more, my region has just announced outdoor water-use restrictions. Although I am allowed to keep my homegrown fruit and vegetables watered, I’m banned from getting out my hose pipe.So, with ongoing intense heat and a lack of rainfall, I’ve been considering a shift in what I plant. And it just so happens that one of my favorite gardeners, Adam Kirtland, who shares his gardening knowledge on his Instagram account @viewfromthepottingbench, has three top plants he recommends that will thrive in hot weather.1. Lavender
(Image credit: Shutterstock)It's probably no surprise that lavender makes it into Kirtland’s top three plants for a hot, dry climate. I can personally vouch for how well it performs in intense sunlight and with limited water. What’s more, it’s a great space-filler and smells divine, especially when you brush past it.Kirkland describes this shrub as “an absolute classic” and “a must-have in every garden," adding, "We all know about lavender, but this really is one plant that we all need. "He suggests buying a large plant or a smaller one and giving it time to grow on. It’s also best planted in dry, free-draining compost and loves full sun.2. Echinacea
