Hello from the Emerald Isle
Well, I’ve had a busy couple of weeks! Last week was spent tidying my garden for a visit from the RHS magazine. Luckily the weather was gorgeous when they looked around and I hope the...
I like big butts and I cannot lie
Many years ago I was given a book 'The Dry Garden’ by Beth Chatto. Back in the 1980’s when I received it, it was interesting and instructive, today though it seems to be prescient and for those of us living with current changes to our climate, compulsory reading.
Taking a walk around my garden having been away for ten weeks, it’s interesting to see the things that have survived well, those that have struggled and those that haven't made it.
I fear from now on, I’m going to have to forego some of my favourites, the smaller azaleas which even though are planted in shade, have suffered horribly. My Euphorbia on the other hand have, apart from a few brown stems,` survived very well.
I can’t live without roses but I think I’m going to have to be much more tenacious when it comes to mulching.
I’m planning a raised bed for herbs that tolerate dry weather, marjoram, oregano (Vulgare compactum), rosemary will be joined by chives, mint and other less woody herbs that can be replaced if they do suffer.
I love grasses, most of which, if given a good start, will survive periods of drought that said I will be researching those that can survive longer spells with no water.
I like big butts and I cannot lie
I currently have two water butts but they are clearly inadequate for changing conditions and over the next year any spare pennies will be used to add more as collecting and storing rainwater is clearly going to be vital.
Of course adding organic matter to the soil is increasingly valuable so watch this space for compost and mulching ideas
I’m sorry if this is a bit gloomy but on a lighter note, it had just started raining, not heavily but enough to mean that I don't have to do that rain dance after all.
Lots of love and showers
Caroline xxx
8 comments
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Amanda Godsell on
Hi Caroline
It’s been dry for us up here in Scotland- just back after 12 days away in scorching Europe – kind neighbours been watering for me😁 – think the way forward is to get more of my plants into the ground as pots are brill but high maintenance ☺️🌸 -
Sue on
It has been very dry, I too think I will have to re think what plants to have. Also pots I have quite a few and they need a drink morning and night in the really hot weather. We have a few Geraniums which are good as they don’t mind being dry. I love Heleniums have had to water those, even my dog wood needs watering they like moist soil. Grass is brown but that will come back.
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Shirley on
I am finding the combination of Gaura (I still call it that) and erygiums drought tolerant Butterflies love it
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Simone on
Hi 👋 I had a lovely water butt, and loved it every time it rained! I was shocked at how much water went into it!! 💦 However it sprung a leak, shortly after the drought started 😞 so now I’m still watering sparsely with a watering can, but anyday now we too will get a hose pipe ban. So it’s interesting to hear your ideas on what to be planting in these changing weather conditions. It all seems to have suddenly changed doesn’t it? We know it’s been coming, but probably too little too late. Maybe we could design massive eco friendly domes like The Eden Project, that goes over the whole country, and the Isle of Wight! Let’s get working on that project!! 🤗 Off to rain dance now ☔️ 🌧️ lots of love Simone 💕
Welcome home! We’ve recently had our garden replanted so it’s a very challenging time for us. We’ve been checking out exemptions like newly planted trees and hedges but it’s still at least 2 hours watering with cans. On a happy note we now have an abundance of bees, butterflies and many other pollinators visiting our garden which is a joy to see