Gardeners must adapt their gardens and green spaces as the weather continues to change as predicted by the Met Office. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-guide/climate-change .
Here are some simple tips you can follow to help your garden thrive in a changing climate:
Choose wind and drought tolerant plants such as geranium, lavender, thymes, sages, sedums, budlia, cystus, rosemary,agapanthas, grasses.
Letting your plants have a good soak every couple of days will be of more benefit than little and often watering as this does not encourage the plants to form strong roots to go down and search for water. Install a water butt and water diverter to collect rain water from your roof, and remember to fit water butts to any sheds or greenhouses as well. Mix water retaining gel into compost for free-standing pots and avoid containers that need regular watering such as hanging baskets. Apply a mulch to moist ground to conserve water during autumn and spring to a depth of 3 to 4 inches ( chipped bark, mushroom compost or home made compost are good). Try puddling new plants which means filling the hole with water several times before planting to lock in moisture. Ensure plants are protected from wind which contributes greatly to drying out. Cover the tops of containerswith pebbles to conserve moisture Hide plants and pots that are not drought tolerant from mid-day sun Avoid mowing lawns too often and too short as they survive better in drought if the blades shade each other Never water or plant in full sun. Grey water is re-usable on your garden from your kitchen sink, washing machine and bath providing that it does not contain much soap or detergent. Experiment with new planting ideas and seek the advice of specialist nurseries to help you adapt your garden to an uncertain future http://www.myclimatechangegarden.com/blog/buy-climate-garden-plants |
How is your garden coping with extreme weather ?
June 14th, 2017 at 3:26 pm
Thank you, I have recently been looking for info about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far.
July 28th, 2017 at 9:28 pm
Thanks for your comments about this blog. It has been a ten year labour of love and I am very glad that you found it useful and also hopefully inspirational.