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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Joanna James on
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
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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
Hi.
It’s a tough time for gardeners during a drought! I’m a very amateur gardener but our garden has just been fried! I’ve grown sunflowers and they are struggling. Some of my favourite shrubs are struggling. No hose pipe ban yet but it could be coming. No place for water buts and hubby reluctant to have them. We’ve not quite agreed on some types of planting and I have to watch him when he “weeds”. Take care