The Water Conscious Gardener

The horticultural team at The Big Plant Nursery in Twyford share practical tips on preparing our gardens this Autumn to thrive in our changing climate.

As we ease into Autumn after a long hot summer, it's refreshing to see the rain fall. However, much of the country is still affected by hose pipe bans which have taken their toll on many gardens. Autumn is the perfect time to plant more drought tolerant plants to allow time to establish before the next long hot summer. Here are some simple steps we can take to make best use of the scarce water resource and still enjoy the peace and tranquility a well kept, thriving garden brings;-

Consider the aspect: If your garden is in full sun for most of the day, or particularly windy it may be time to revisit your planting scheme to check its resistance to drought and make some changes to ensure you have the right plants to thrive in the future. Many grey or hairy leaved plants and succulent species are cleverly adapted to be drought tolerant, such as lavenders, olive trees (Olea europaea), sempervivums and sedums. Elaeagnus is a useful evergreen screening shrub as it is very drought tolerant once established, as is holly, privet and many more. Indeed, this gradual change in climate means we can enjoy more exotic and Mediterranean plants that previously wouldn't have survived in our climate.

At our Big Plant Nursery we have many mature trees, shrubs and palms particularly suited to these drier conditions. Not only do their architectural qualities bring real drama and instant impact to the garden, but they often remind us of relaxing times abroad and help create that feeling in our own back gardens. The Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) and the Cabbage Palm (Cordyline australis) are both drought tolerant, hardy palms that we can enjoy in our gardens.

Try this Mediterranean style planting for a hot sunny site:

- Pittosporum (tobira or tenuifolium)
- Feijoa sellowiana
- Olive trees & shrubs (Olea europaea)
- Bottle Brush (Callistemon citrinus)
- Lavender, rosemary & thyme

Improve your soil: Sandy soils will drain too quickly and lose essential nutrients so add plenty of organic matter or composted bark to improve the soil's structure and water holding capacity. Clay soils can become baked hard in Summer making it near impossible for plants to extract the water. Improve clay soil now by digging in organic compost and an inch layer of horticultural grit.

Add a mulch: This is one of the most important and easiest methods of water conservation in the garden. Not only does a mulch over the top of a geotextile membrane suppress thirsty weeds, keep soil cool and reduce evaporation but it also looks good. Pebbles or gravel as an alternative mulch suit the drought resistant Mediterranean style of planting well.

Irrigation: Make the most of the rain by collecting it in as many water butts as you have space for and in hot weather water plants early morning or in the cool of the evening at the stem base to reduce evaporation. New plantings will of course need to be watered well until established, when their drought tolerance kicks in, so for larger plants we recommend watering tubes alongside the rootball to ensure the water reaches the roots where it is needed.

Try a Friendly Fungi: Sprinkling some Rootgrow in the bottom of the planting hole encourages fibrous root growth and acts like a permanent fertiliser to give your new plants a chance to establish quickly and thrive by finding water and nutrients deeper down.

Create some shade: Dappled shade from a mature tree or an arbour or pergola covered with one of our mature climbers will create a welcome retreat from the heat and add height and interest. Now's the perfect time to put one in place ready to enjoy next summer in your garden. Why not visit The Big Plant Nursery today for inspiration and advice?

Creative Landscape Co and The Big Plant Nursery, Wargrave Road, Twyford RG10 9PN. Tel: 0118 934 1500. www.thebigplantnursery.com