Gardening tips: Expert on how to grow lavender at home
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
As the UK’s weather forecast shifts once again, many gardeners will be growing frustrated as their gardens struggle under either extreme heat or torrential downpours. Some plants are suited to drought conditions and will thrive in the sun. Others will be enjoying the recent downpours and slightly cooler temperatures.
Ankuka Sun Shade under £35
Keep cool outdoors from the sun with the Ankuka Sun Shade, which is resistant to water as well, making it ideal for year-round use and light rain. It’s now on sale for 34 percent off and Amazon shoppers can buy it for less than £35 with free PRIME delivery.
View Deal Shop now
Now, Morris Hankinson, managing director at Hopes Grove Nurseries has shared exclusively with Express.co.uk the “ideal” plants for growing in changeable weather conditions.
Grow drought-tolerant plants and hedges to reduce watering
Morris suggested growing drought-tolerant plants and hedges to reduce the need to water.
He explained: “Drought-tolerant plants and trees from agapanthus and lavender to beech need less water to stay alive, so if you live in a dry area of the UK these are ideal.”
READ MORE: Inside Princess Beatrice’s £3.5m renovated home in the Cotswolds
Grow native plants like hawthorn
The gardening expert also suggested growing native plants that can withstand changing weather conditions.
He said: “Native plants and trees, like hawthorn, are typically better able to withstand changing weather patterns than non-natives.
“Theoretically, you should need to replace fewer plants as weather patterns and temperatures change.
“This may not always be the case – Mediterranean trees and shrubs, may be better suited to warmer, drier conditions.”
Save rainwater during drought conditions
Some parts of the UK will be experiencing torrential rain which presents the perfect opportunity to collect rainwater.
DON’T MISS
Homes Under the Hammer couple make £75,000 profit with kitchen update [INSIGHT]
Japanese maples: How to prune plants – ‘always’ use three-cut rule’ [UPDATE]
‘Tough’ garden plants you ‘can’t kill’ – ‘tolerates harsh conditions’ [ANALYSIS]
Gardeners can collect rainwater in a water butt in order to use “less mains water”.
Morris said: “Using a water butt to collect rainwater will mean you use less mains water to keep your plants hydrated when conditions are dry – especially relevant at this time with hosepipe bans in place in parts of the UK.
“It’s also worth, recycling your bath water and watering your garden with it.
“It doesn’t matter if it looks a bit scuzzy as there’s likely to be some more nutrients in it!”
Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea
Sink a flowerpot next to your plants
Sinking a flowerpot next to plants will help the water you apply sink down to the roots instead of evaporating on the surface.
Use a saucer on containers to make the most of any water that runs out of the bottom.
Use hedges as a windbreak
Hedges can be used to make a windbreak which can protect plants growing in front of them.
Reduce hard surfaces to prevent flooding
To prevent flash flooding, gardeners can try to minimise the amount of hard surfaces in their gardens.
He said: “Hard surfaces, such as paving and decking often increase the risk of flooding, as more water is forced down drains and into rivers and sewers, which can overflow during periods of heavy rain.
“Soft surfaces, comprising plants and soil, have the potential to absorb a great deal of water, which will slowly percolate down to the water table.”
Create shade
Trees and tall shrubs can create shade.
More shade in a garden means Britons can spend more time in their gardens in cooler conditions during extreme temperatures.
Morris recommended deciduous trees, such as silver birch and hornbeam trees.
These will create “dappled shade in summer, while letting sun reach the ground in winter”.
Source: Read Full Article