September
As I write on 9 August, the UK is bracing itself for the fifth heatwave of the Summer. Everywhere is bone dry. Wisley has gone more than 50 days without a drop of rain. Southern England is approaching two months without any notable rainfall. Let’s hope by the time you read this in September we have had some rain. We’d love to hear from Hort Soc members: what has done well in your garden in the drought conditions; any good tips or advice? For me, plants that have done well are Lavender, Chicory, Verbena bonareinsis, Valerian, Calendula, Fennel, and most of my other herbs - Sage, Mint, Basil, Chives - and surprisingly, Roses and Cosmos. I thought they’d suffer in the heat. My Nasturtiums died; my Courgettes, Beans and Peas first got eaten by slugs, then shrivelled and died. My sweet peas were lovely to for a while, but were over quickly. We gardeners are an optimistic, resourceful and resilient bunch. We’ll find ways to cope and adapt, but we will probably have to completely rethink the flowers, shrubs, trees, fruit and veg we grow in future. Here are tips from the RHS for caring for your garden during drought and drought-resistant plant recommendations. I realise these will be rather late for this year, but may help with garden planning for next year:
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Only water when it’s really needed and at the right times - early in the morning or late in the evening.
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Water plants at their roots, not on their leaves
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It's better to give your plants a good soaking every so often compared to a light daily sprinkling. Try counting to 20 as you water each plant. This will help get the water down into the soil, helping the plant's roots grow deeper and stronger.
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Keep on top of weeds. By removing weeds, you stop them taking water that your plants need.
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Leave your lawn. It will recover and green up again as soon as any rain arrives.
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Have as many water butts as you have room for! Rainwater is great for plants, as it is slightly more acidic than tap water.
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Mulch thoroughly. A good layer of mulch, such as garden compost, well-rotted manure, shredded bark and cocoa shells, will help conserve moisture in your soil.
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Some drought-resistant plant recommendations, better able to cope with dry spells, which will not only survive, but thrive, as our climate changes, are Erysimum (perennial wallflower); Lavender; Stachys byzantine (Lamb’s ear); Verbena bonariensis; Agapanthus; Ceanothus; Hylotelephiam (previously Sedum); Euphorbia; Oregano; Erigeron (fleabane) and Bupleurum fruticosum (Hare’s ear).
Keep calm and carry on gardening! 😊
Penny Sydenham