Linda and Doug Larson moved to a new modular home in a cottonwood grove after the 2011 flood along the Missouri River. Establishing a new yard and managing green spaces at Larson’s Landing have been part of beginning again. Naturescapes in Yankton built the koi pond. Here’s Linda’s story:
http://yankton.net/articles/2013/01/31/river_city/doc510b34a097661067817172.txt
Plant Exchange Blog 
Irrigation for green spaces has made a difference in maintenance of plants at Larson’s Landing. Linda selects cold and heat hardy perennials. Cultivars of native plants give color. Linda mulches flowerbeds and adds grass clippings to the compost pile. How are you adapting to summer heat and dry weather?
http://yankton.net/articles/2013/01/31/river_city/doc510b34a097661067817172.txt
I often use fresh grass clippings for mulch even though I’ve read that’s not a wise thing to do. I wonder if others do it. It actually seems to work for me. I don’t notice any bad effects on my plants, but I may be missing something.