My mom was out of town in the drought-iest part of the year and no one screwed the sprinklers into the hoses, so I did not do much watering when she was gone either. Fortunately it rained a couple things so not too many things died, but yeah, I hear you there.

There are some plants that are drought resistant which are getting more attention from agriculture departments with climate change issues.

Ahahhahha with the lemon balm. Though the one issue is that if you ever want to kill it and put something else there, it will be a pain in the ass. But yeah <3 Your local extension office might have some ideas?

If you're repotting your plant, maybe you want to try a lighter container next time? I've seen these decorative recyclabe plastic ones at garden centers and they look nice and sturdy and lightweight. You can punch out the existing hole in the bottom, or have a nursery pot inside the planter and use it as your saucer. (not my favorite method) Just a thought ^_^

Good job with the Christmas cactus by the way -- I've never gotten the hang of them. :)