As we enjoy longer and hotter summers, we find ourselves needing to find ways to garden differently to preserve our resources, infrastructures and personal time. Plants need water to survive, this is a fact, and some plants more then others. But there are ways to create a beautiful garden, bursting with colour and life, without having to water constantly to keep it alive.

To achieve this, planning is key and investing in simple pieces of equipment can help reduce water consumption drastically.

 

Smart watering:

Watering efficiently doesn’t mean using a lot of water. It can start with the installation of a dripping system or a porous pipe with a timer so you will never leave it on all night again. The main advantage of that system is that the water will go directly to the roots, where the plant needs it the most. Remember that water on the foliage can cause powdery mildew and other fungus related issues.

Collecting rainwater is another way to save our resources. Although it is a solution best adapted to medium to large sized gardens. You still can start with a small barrel at the bottom of your drainpipes.

During hose pipe bans, a good watering can is essential. Use a rose for it when watering most of the beds and especially young plants. Water will sprinkle and gently soak the soil without disturbing the roots. Remove the rose to water the trees and larger plants with a full flow.

 

Preparing the soil:

Choosing the right compost and additives when planting can go a long way. For better moisture retention, vermiculite is your friend, or even water saving crystals for containers. These trap moisture in the soil to release it slowly when the plant needs it. Compost or soil? Well, it really depends on the plant! If the plant needs an aerated substrate, then compost is the best option. Mature plants do best in soil although some will benefit from added grit or perlite for drainage.

Mulching will also prevent moisture evaporation. Keep in mind that 1 to 2 inches thickness is the required quantity for effective moisture retention and weed suppression. Some plants will do better with a bark mulch (Camellias, Hydrangeas, ferns or buxus for example), but gravel or stone chips are also available.

 

The right plant for the right spot:

One of the most important step and key to success in gardening. Simply choosing the right plant. Choosing a heat tolerant lavender for a sunny corner instead of a thirsty hydrangea will make a huge difference when it comes to manage water efficiently in the garden. A little horticultural knowledge goes a long way when it comes to plant selection and if you are not sure, we are here to guide you.

 

Heat tolerant plants

Annuals

Pink Cosmos, Photo by N Suma

Calendula officinalis

Cosmos

Verbena

Limonium

 

Herbaceous

Flowering Nepeta with ornamental grasses and violas, Photo by Tatyana Rubleva

Euphorbia

Agastache

Anthemis

Phlox subulate

Nepeta

Liatris

Lychnis

Rudbeckia

Stachys byzantine

Sempervivum

Limonium

Centaurea

Artemisia

Cerastium

Coreopsis

Delosperma

Echinops

Eryngium

Kniphofia

 

Shrubs & Trees

English lavender, Photo by Annie Spratt 

Cistus (rock rose)

Helianthemum

Rosemary

Santolina

Helichrysum

Sedum

Olive tree

Pinus

Gingko Biloba

Abelia

Cotoneaster

Chaenomeles

Thymus

Lavandula

Caryopteris

Ceratostigma

Perovskia