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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Carole on
Nice to see you back, my garden needs a good overall due to the weather and having scaffolding up awhile 🫣. Can’t wait to see your new ideas 👍
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Jennifer on
So what’s been doing well in my very dry garden?
Gaura (mid-height, pink)
Russian Sage (tall, purple)
Leucanthemum (tall, white daisy)
Geranium ( low to mid height, Johnson’s Blue)
Nepeta ( low, purple, bees love it)
Perennial Sweet Peas
Hydrangeas are doing well but I do give them the odd can of water. I have Annabel and Paniculata Limelight
Oh and the weeds are green and thriving, wild carrot and tiny convululus in the lawn and the geraniums have seeded themselves in the brown crusty grass too!!!
Hope that helps -
Patricia Scott Warrener on
Hello ! Good to see you back and looking well 👩🌾🪴
I live in middle Nottinghamshire..Sherwood Forest area
Very dry here but no hose pipe ban yet!!
My montbretia a percicaria and young maple are looking very sad ! -
Caroline Barker on
We’ve struggled with our garden this year. Shrubs I adore have dried up. The sunflowers are struggling. We’re not in a hose pipe area yet. Take care. My first post email address wasn’t approved but I’m on the mailing list on the same address! Hopefully this one will go through ok.
Hi Caroline, lovely to see back in your happy place.
I was already thinking about next year and the garden – like yourself – bigger water butts have been ordered. I love roses and they have done remarkably well but the mop head hydrangeas need so much water and I’m rethinking those, going forward and mulching more too. I’ll be very interested in the changes you make too for garden inspiration. 🌸