The impacts of the drought may be dire but Dubbo horticulturist says there is other ways for vegetation to survive

Brennan's Mitre 10 horticulturist Jacqueline Reilly is encouraging residents to look at the alternatives to keeping their gardens healthy through the hardships of a drought.

"There are many breeds of plants that are drought resilient and yet still look beautiful," she said.

"My favourite drought-resilient plant is Emu Bush or Eremophila. There are about 15 species of Eremophila, probably more. Some have beautiful flowers and they flower nine months of the year. Once they're established they require no watering.

"Another type of plant which doesn't require watering are succulents."

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Ms Reilly said Australian native plants were also good in the hot, dry Dubbo climate.

She also recommends growing vegetables or using pot plants as an alternative to in-ground plants.

"Pot plants retain the water for longer and require less watering," Ms Reilly said.

"Most plants only need watering every second or third day and you only need a watering can.

"It's also important to plant in a really good mix, anything with water-storing granules. You can also add liquid fertiliser to the water to build the plants immunity. It's like a vitamin B tablet for plants.

"A good liquid fertiliser is Powerfeed."

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Ms Reilly also has tips for those who don't want to reconstruct their gardens, or who want to ensure their lawn continues to thrive throughout the worsening drought.

"I'm a big believer in watering your plants and/or lawn in the mornings," she said.

"Alternatively you can water during the evenings and let them build tolerance during the day."

Ms Reilly said vegetation was extremely important for our birds who were also struggling throughout the drought.

People should also remember to prioritise trees as they are harder to replace due to the time it takes them to grow to their full potential.

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"Trees and plants only need to be deep watered twice a week," the Dubbo horticulturalist said.

"People need to be mindful of surface watering.

"If you're just spraying a little bit of water on the plants you're actually harming them because it breaks down the soil and lifts the roots to the surface.

"It's better to do two deep waters once a week than to surface water your plants often."