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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Victoria Benn on
Welcome back to sunny Devon! Here in mid Devon the Wisteria has been loving this weather, and provided us with near constant blooms since May! Such a joy!
Our Lavender is doing particularly well, and keeping the bumble bee population active, while our Damask Rose has just a solitary flower left. The Sweet Peas seem quite content too, with minimal attention! Everything else has been reduced to a dry crisp! -
I love Roses Too on
I will be interested to see which plants you recommend for dry conditions. My lavender is thriving and grasses but also the fushias are doing very well. Sage and thyme also fine.x
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Victoria Benn on
Welcome back to sunny Devon! Here in mid Devon the Wisteria has been loving this weather, and provided us with near constant blooms since May! Such a joy!
Our Lavender is doing particularly well, and keeping the bumble bee population active, while our Damask Rose has just a solitary flower left. The Sweet Peas seem quite content too, with minimal attention! Everything else has been reduced to a dry crisp! -
Jen on
We’ve just had our back garden landscaped including a lawn which we’re trying to keep alive in all this hot weather. I’m looking forward to planting up the planters and borders. Also ordered a greenhouse very excited about growing from seed
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 💕