That's a lot compared to arid areas such as Arizona, where rainfall can be 8 inches per year. Our luck means we should not have to run the hoses constantly if we choose heat-tolerant plants and keep them healthy through good cultural habits. In Hampton Roads, groundwater is only a few feet below the soil surface. Much of our drinking water comes from groundwater, which can be easily contaminated when we quickly apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers without analyzing if they are really needed at that particular time. Soils full of clay or sand need to be improved with lots of organic matter.
Compost helps retain moisture and nutrients.
Work it in annually. Pick the right plants for the right spots. Limit lawn space. Turf takes time, money and chemicals. Large, mulched beds of established shrubs, trees and groundcovers are less maintenance and trouble in the long run.