Gardening for late Spring Tips from Sue Fisher on how to be a ‘water-wise’ gardener
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ong, dry springs appear to be becoming a regular with fleshy leaves are great as they store water in their feature in recent years and although we don’t know leaves and need far less water than many patio plants. what the summer will bring, it makes huge sense both However, do bear in mind that drought tolerant plants financially and environmentally to become a water-wise hate sitting in ground that’s wet for any length of time, gardener. And less need for watering means less time so if your soil is poor-draining, create raised beds or spent attached to the business end of a plant on mounds so they don’t succumb Collecting and hose pipe. in periods of heavy rain. For general Choose plants that naturally tolerate saving rainwater container planting, improve drought drought and your garden will look fantastic rather than using tap tolerance by planting in large pots (small even when there’s no rain for weeks. ones dry out incredibly fast) and group These plants have features like thick, waxy water can be done in containers close together so they shade foliage; leaves that are narrow and needle- lots of ways. Water each other. like or covered in fine hairs; or silvery and butts are simple and Collecting and saving rainwater rather light-reflecting. Some create their own than using tap water can be done in low-cost ‘heat shield’ by evaporating essential oils to lots of ways. Water butts are simple and create wonderful scents, including popular low-cost (South West Water offer these herbs like rosemary and lavender. Plan through www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk) your plantings with a blend of foliage and and there are lots of more ornamental flowers: create the ‘bones’ of a garden with designs too, including a clever design strong structural foliage such as elaeagnus, that combines planters around the butt. bay, olearia, and Box, which look good Or, hide your storage out of sight with a all year and make a beautiful contrast low, wide tank beneath a deck or patio. to colourful flowers. For some planting An alternative to lugging cans around inspiration, I recommend a trip to Southis a little solar-powered or electric pond West Water’s visitor centre at Roadford pump. Lake, near Broadwoodwidger, where the Timing your planting is an excellent garden I was commissioned to design has way to save water and end up with much recently been completed. better plants in the long run. Planting For pots and borders, succulent plants now means watering for months whilst
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