Drought official in UK

Fri, Jun 10, 2011

Climate Change, Water, UK Climate Change

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.

Ms Spelman suggested that  “This is a time to use water wisely, conserve it while you can”

“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

This post was written by:

- who has written 872 posts on My Climate Change Garden.

I am not an experienced gardener - more of an enthusiastic amateur who learns by trial and error and who is keen to "manage" the effects of shifting weather patterns on my garden. Writing this blog is my passion and it has evolved over 12 years to inspire engagement with climate change outside our back doors, in our personal gardens and green spaces. My mission is to fertilise and expand this platform to grow a community of global gardeners communicating about the effects of climate change on our plants and exploring how each individual can make small changes in our lives to become more sustainable. The future of our gardens and #OurPlanet is in our hands - please plant your own seeds for our collective sustainable future.

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2 Comments For This Post

  1. catmint Says:

    we have had severe watering restrictions here,I find I don’t need to wateer if I have the right plants and good soil

  2. Debbie Says:

    Hi Catmint

    Thanks for your contribution about the importance of choosing the right plants and making sure the soil is suitable.
    I see you are based in Melbourne which has an interesting climate.
    I have a number of contacts in the city and I think that you recently
    have had long periods of drought as well?
    Do keep in touch and tell us any plants that you find grow well in periods of drought but also cope with wet conditions.