My Climate Change Garden

Parts of England are officially in drought following the dry spring, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13722013

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman is set to hold a second drought summit to review the impacts of the continuing dry weather and the government is sending a message to water wisely.

“Water companies are confident that supplies are high enough so that widespread restrictions to the public are unlikely. We’re doing all we can to reduce the impact on agriculture and wildlife, but everyone can play their part.

“Households know how to use less water and everyone can do their bit to use water more wisely, not only through the summer, but throughout the year.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13722013

The very dry spring is having a huge effect on gardens in the South and East.Plants such as geraniums and petunias are flourishing, as are wild flowers, whereas water-absorbing busy lizzies and salvias have all been given the cut – thank goodness!

Gardeners are using hanging baskets with reservoirs to stop water seeping through the bottom as well as water retention tablets.

Mel Henley, head of parks and gardens for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, says its staff had been adapting what was planted over the last few years.

“Because flowers themselves have a high impact, we don’t want to lose that so we’re putting permanent plants in with the flowers.

“This won’t make it lose impact but it just means that it won’t need as much water because herbs and shrubs don’t need as much.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13668342