QUESTION: How can I amend heavy clay soil so plants don't need water as frequently? I’ve tried mixing in mulched leaves and top soil. So far, even some drought tolerant ornamental grasses are having a rough time.

ANSWER: Keep amending your soil with compost. Work it into the soil.  Even drought tolerant plants, like ornamental grasses, need one or two years of regular watering to become established enough to withstand dry seasons.  Add compost every year. Water the new plants when dry, for at least one season.