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
20 comments
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Angela on
Good Morning Caroline glad your back x
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Angela on
We have had it very hot and dry in the South East. The roses have survived but I think your idea of mulching is definitely a must. More water butts as well.We have a very large hydrangea that We are thinking of reducing as it takes so much water. Glad your back any more tips and ideas most welcome. Love Angela x
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Wendy Watson on
Hi Caroline
As I garden in Australia its always dry here (well most of the time ) i have lavender,rosemary,i do try to stick with cottage plants because i love your gardens over there .i water most days in summer and on and off over winter ,i use lots of worm tea (its cheap &we have a small worm farm )and lots of mulch but i give it a really good soaking before i put the mulch down .hope you find so of this helpful. Enjoy your garden i think its beautiful.xx cheers wendy -
Yvonne on
Hi I’ve just been sat in the garden with hubby and said I am going to have to re think our planting as our cottage garden is struggling at present.
Like you I love my roses but they no sooner bloom and then go over really quickly this year due to the heat, I seem to be dead heading all the time! I’m going to get rid of a lot of my smaller pots and maybe just have a few larger feature ones with draught tolerant plants in. I need to do some research! 🌵
It’s horribly dry in Kent with no rain for weeks and gardening has become about cutting back frazzled stems and watering on the basis of which plants need saving most (a hosepipe ban has been in place for a while now). I decided early on not to bother growing any veg this year so I could use the water from my butts for the flowers – they are now empty. On the plus side the roses had a fantastic early flush and are valiantly trying to offer more, although I think I’ve lost a ‘Lady of Shallot’. Herbs and grasses are doing well, so too the salvias and euphorbia and anything evergreen seems to be ok. My focus is now on keeping the dahlias going. And of course the weeds somehow manage to find enough water to grow, even the ones in the brown area that was once a lawn.